alansmith17.com

By John Edwards
PUBLISHED: 22:30 GMT, 15 May 2012 | UPDATED: 00:01 GMT, 16 May 2012

Former Leeds striker Alan Smith had to be rescued by police after being attacked on his return to West Yorkshire at the Galpharm Stadium.

Taunted by Huddersfield fans after going on as a late substitute, Smith found himself in the midst of an angry mob during a pitch invasion at the end and was helped down the tunnel by police and his MK Dons manager Karl Robinson.

Escorted: Alan Smith leaves the field alongside Dons boss Karl Robinson

‘It was embarrassing,’ said Robinson who added the home fans were ‘magnificent’ in general but ‘a few muppets spat at (Smith) and kicked and punched him’.

Smith scored an injury-time consolation after Daniel Powell had cancelled out a strike from Huddersfield’s Jordan Rhodes.

After securing a League One play-off final against Sheffield United at Wembley on Saturday week, Huddersfield may now face sanctions for the incident involving Smith.

Chaos: Flares were also lit as Huddersfield fans celebrated

A brave MK Dons bowed out of the npower League 1 play-offs at the semi-final stage after losing out 3-2 to Huddersfield Town on aggregate over the two-legged tie.

Karl Robinson’s men battled their hardest, gave 110 per cent and had nothing left in the tank as they left the pitch as they won 2-1 on the night of the second leg, but ultimately the 2-0 defeat at stadiummk just three days earlier proved too difficult a task to overcome.

After goals from Jordan Rhodes and Jack Hunt had put the Terriers in the driving seat the Dons knew they had an uphill challenge travelling to the Galpharm Stadium and despite dominating the opening phases their evening was made all the more difficult when Rhodes opened the scoring.

However, the Dons refused to give up and when Daniel Powell fired in the equaliser of the night there was great hope for the visitors. A huge talking point from the game was when Sean Morrison appeared to foul Charlie MacDonald before half-time, but the penalty never came for the Dons.

Alan Smith’s header deep in injury time offered faint hopes but the Dons bowed out in the cruellest of ways and were left to review what has been a fantastic season for the Dons.

The Dons reverted to 4-3-3 formation with Jay O’Shea taking the place of Alan Smith who took a place on the bench after picking up a knock in the first leg.

The visitors made the trip to the Galpharm knowing goals were a must and in the first minute Dean Bowditch was presented with a route through to goal, taken off his stride once into the box he sprayed the ball to the feet of Charlie MacDonald but as the striker tried to drag the ball back from the left byline Terriers ‘keeper Ian Bennett intercepted.

It was a bright start from the Dons as they imposed their fluid passing style on the Galpharm pitch with plenty of promise going forward.

However forward-thinking the Dons wanted to be they also had to play with caution with the knowledge that a goal for the home side would make their task all the more difficult. When Rhodes found space down the left he found Lee Novak creeping into the edge of the box and when Shaun Williams failed to make a telling tackle the forward was able to fire a low shot wide of the post.

There was an urgency involved in the Dons’ play, they looked hungry and determined to make amends for the first leg defeat. Darren Potter managed to shake off the shackles in midfield as he stole possession to find Stephen Gleeson, who in turn supplied an excellent through ball to MacDonald.

The Dons striker was through on goal, yet Bennett made the brave decision to race off his line to take the ball away from MacDonald’s feet.

Huddersfield were happy to soak up the pressure and when opportunities came their way they were looking to punish the Dons. A free-kick deep in their half appeared to carry little danger as Jack Hunt sent a long punt up field, but when Danny Ward’s flick on found Rhodes the danger quickly appeared.

Rhodes’ movement allowed him to weave through the Dons defence before tucking a fine composed finish into the bottom corner and by doing so he took the aggregate score line to 3-0.

The score line on the night was harsh on the Dons, who had been the better team, but they had to galvanise in an attempt to register on the scoreboard. Dean Lewington spent most of his time camped in the Terriers’ half, and when he lofted the ball to O’Shea they were back on the attack.

Top goal scorer Bowditch was brought into play in a more central position and his swerving shot was deflected out for a corner.

Bowditch was again involved in more positive play for the Dons when he broke down the left byline, but MacDonald couldn’t get the flick on needed to turn the ball away. As Bennett tried to cover his goal the ‘keeper picked up an injury that forced him off the pitch and, after waiting some time to get ready, Alex Smithies took up position between the sticks.

The Dons were asking question of the Huddersfield defence and the nerves were starting to creep into the players on the pitch and the home fans. Relentless pressure was being piled on and the Dons deservedly got rewards when Adam Chicksen made inroads down the right to find Powell.

The tricky forward moved into space into the box and with great confidence fired a lovely finish into to bottom of Smithies’ net.

Robinson’s men then felt they should have had a penalty only minutes later when MacDonald appeared to be pushed by Sean Morrison as he attempted to head home a cross.

The second half began in the Dons’ favourites as they peppered the Terriers’ box with early pressure. MacDonald came within inches of netting a second for the Dons when he latched onto a through ball from Potter, who excellently picked up possession in the middle, but with Smithies beaten the former Brentford man saw his effort fall agonisingly wide of the post.

The man with the least to do in the game was Dons’ keeper Martin, but he kept their hopes alive as the hour mark approached when he made an excellent block from Kallim Higginbotham before tipping over Novak’s ferocious drive.

It was a patch of play that put the wind in the Terriers’ sails and the noise inside the stadium began to rise as the home side began to look more threatening. Ward in particular looked keen to add to Huddersfield’s advantage in the tie as he cut inside to curl a right-footed shot over the bar.

Town kept breaking on the counterattack as the Dons committed men forward. However, Town found it difficult to break through the Dons’ back four especially Williams who had turned in an awesome display at the heart of defence.

With the Dons running short of time Robinson made the bold move of opting for three in defence as Chicksen and Bowditch took their place on the bench while the attacking options were bolstered by the introduction of Luke Chadwick and Jabo Ibehre.

It meant the Dons had to be ultra sharp in defence but when Higginbotham launched a diagonal ball to Ward there was only Martin to beat, luckily for the dons he miscued his effort wide.

The Dons were desperate to find a second which would cause panic in the Town camp. First Alan Smith took the place of MacDonald and then Ibehre unleashed a wild shot over the bar.

At the death Ibehre was denied point-blank by Smithies and couldn’t dig out a second shot but a follow-up from Powell was tipped over the bar. From the resulting corner Smith’s diving header found its way through and he put the Dons within one goal of extra-time. Unfortunately time got the better of the Dons as Huddersfield booked their place in the final.

Huddersfield Town: Bennett (Smithies 35); Hunt, Morrison, P Clarke, Woods; Higginbotham (T Clarke 88), Johnson, Miller (Robinson 78), Ward; Rhodes, Novak.

Subs: Roberts, Lee.

Goal: Rhodes 18

MK Dons: Martin; Chicksen (Ibehre 72), MacKenzie, Williams, Lewington (c); Gleeson, Potter, O’Shea; Powell, MacDonald (Smith 81), Bowditch (Chadwick 72).

Subs: McLoughlin, Kouo-Doumbe.

Goals: Powell 40, Smith 90

ALAN Smith has revealed he may return to Newcastle United next season – as an Academy coach.

Smith is currently on loan at Milton Keynes but is facing a “big decision” on his future in the summer, having come to the end of a long-term deal at St James’ Park.

A career in coaching is a consideration and he had been offered a role in United’s Academy before departing for the League One club.

It is something he may yet take up, utilising his good relationship with Alan Pardew – a manager he still speaks very highly of – to take a first step towards management.

“Before I went to MK I spoke to the manager about staying and working at the Academy,” Smith told The Journal in a wide-ranging interview.

“I’d love to keep playing, but it’s whether your body can keep doing it and for how long your body can keep doing it.

“I’ve not spoken to him (the manager) about that since, I just want to concentrate on my football, but we spoke about working with the Academy with Willie Donachie. I did some work while I was still there, doing talks at the Academy and telling the lads what it takes – how to keep your focus and not get carried away, that sort of thing. If I had stayed (rather than going out on loan), that was a route I’d have gone down.

“I want to concentrate on playing for the minute but, yeah, I’d love to come back and coach. I’d never rule out anything, it’s a great football club and a great place to be.

“You know that the people in the North East have got football at heart, that’s somewhere you want to be.” Smith was allowed to leave on loan to MK Dons in a move that he has enjoyed.

Attracted to the project of bringing success to a town where football is relatively new, he admits it has given him a fresh “perspective” on the game and made him appreciate how lucky he has been to play for three of the biggest clubs in the country.

But he remains close to events at St James’ Park and is absolutely delighted that the “excellent” coaching team at Newcastle have inspired such a brilliant season.

“I’d like to thank the manager and the club itself for letting me go and play football, which is what I wanted to do,” he

said. “I’d given it six months – I didn’t just want to walk away. I wanted to give myself a chance.

“I never fell out with anyone at Newcastle. I’d spoken to the manager and I still do have a good relationship with him. I still speak to him quite often.

“What they have done is outstanding, to be honest.

“They’ve surprised everyone, not just with their league position, but their performances.

“They have played the best football in the Premier League over the last few weeks, in my opinion. You want them to do well. Most people who are associated with the club will tell you, it’s such a good club and a big club but in some ways it’s got that feel of a small club.

“There’s so many good people involved in that club who have been there their whole life – staff, kitchen staff, people who work at the ground. Although players come and go, they’re always there.

“They’re the ones you want to do well for, they’re the ones you want to have a successful team for.

“Then there’s the fans. They stuck with us in the Championship, they stuck with us after relegation and they’re getting their rewards for it now. From an outside perspective, I hope they get into the Champions League. They deserve it.”

Smith, who is heading to the play-offs with MK Dons, is out of contract at Newcastle in the summer and admits all options are open to him.

“Now I’ve got a big summer to decide what I want to do and where I see my future lying,” he said.

“We’ve got the play-offs to come, it’d be nice to finish at Wembley and get MK Dons promoted.

“And I’d love to see Newcastle in the Champions League.

“I’ve spoken about doing my coaching badges – who knows what is next?”

Interview: Alan Smith on regrets, relegation and life after football

by Mark Douglas, The Journal
Apr 27 2012


Alan Smith leads the footballer’s life less ordinary. In a remarkably frank and rare interview with chief sports writer Mark Douglas, he talks of regrets, relegation and life after football

ALAN Smith crunches into the elephant in the room in the same way that he would a 50-50 tackle.

Considering a long and illustrious career that has seen him capped for England and signed by three of the north’s great clubs, does he feel an element of frustration at the way his time at Newcastle United played out?

There is a bracing and admirable honesty about his reply. Smith’s legacy at St James’ Park is a mixed one – he was the expensive, blue-chip signing who emerged as the surprising talisman in the rather less salubrious surroundings of the Championship.

He believes his role in that revival was his “proudest moment” in football. But should we have expected more?

“I never have any regrets on anything, but it’s unfortunate. I don’t think anyone ever saw the best of me when I was here,” he admits. “But I could say that ever since my injury (a shocking double leg break while playing for Manchester United at Liverpool in 2006), that’s always been the case.”

“I can sort of understand the criticism that comes my way, but it never bothers me because I’m my own biggest critic.

“You know deep down that to get back to those heights before my injury is going to be impossible.

“You take it as it comes and you make sure you enjoy it. You need to be as committed and enjoy it in other ways as much as you can.

“Even towards the end, when I wasn’t playing and I wasn’t in the (Newcastle) squad I was in with the manager all the time. Because you are part of a team, regardless of what job you’re in.”

Relegation had given Smith a chance to atone for the disastrous slump which occurred while he was sat as a frustrated bystander, injured as the team plumbed the depths.

He played just four games of the demotion, but assumed a central role in renaissance. “The club needed an event like that to shake it out of its complacency. Something had to happen,” he says.

“I’m proud of the role I played in that, in restoring some of the pride to the football club. We had a point to prove.

“I remember going over to Ireland (in the summer of 2009) and that was a fantastic trip. You could tell something special was happening among the players, and that camaraderie was a major part of it.

“As people, as individuals, as a collective we had to prove that what we had done, we wanted to put right. You see the measure of a man in the reaction to disappointment. Good people react well to adversity.”

Life seems good at the moment, though. Smith is sat in the plush offices of Stratstone Jaguar in Fenham, having just agreed to join the likes of Sir Steve Redgrave, Andrew Strauss and Rio Ferdinand as a patron of the luxury car company’s Academy of Sport.

Given the established stars who are part of the admirable project, it is some compliment. Jaguar will pair established stars like Smith with rising stars between the ages of 12 and 24 who are supported by bursaries worth thousands of pounds. As the first representative from the North East, Smith will mentor local athletes.

He also gets an impressive new Jag as part of the sponsorship programme. ‘Footballer accepts luxury car’ isn’t exactly the sort of tale to warm the cockles but there is a twist here, for Smith is resolutely not the materialistic sort.

He kept his previous car for seven years, bought after his controversial move to Manchester United, and his Nokia mobile phone could best be described as vintage. He was offered an iPhone or a Blackberry but wonders what the point is in such vanity possessions. Smith, as the man who donates £10,000 to a charity that one Newcastle employee mentioned in passing, doesn’t exactly tally with the perception of him as a snarling, arrogant midfielder accused of greed after a series of lucrative moves.

They are accusations that have not unduly worried him and he laughs off the vicious reaction of the 6,000 Sheffield United supporters towards him after he scored for MK Dons the previous Saturday.

He knows his media-shy profile means he is partly responsible for allowing those perceptions to build up, but he places more credibility in the opinions of those who know him. He is proud of the fact that no manager – including Alan Pardew – would dream of criticising his workrate or professionalism.

“Some people see you play and have a perception of what you’re like. Then they actually meet you and they’re like, ‘Are you sure you’re the same person?’”

“It is actually quite nice because someone has to be totally different when you go to work. You’re totally different at work from how you are in normal life and football is no different.

“People can think he’s this or that, which happens to a lot of footballers. There’s this clichéd lifestyle and people thinking you only play football because it pays you a good wage. But I started playing football for £42.50 a week, and so did most of the lads. You’re just a normal kid wanting to do well for yourself and there’s no harm in that. I think sometimes when you do meet people, they do surprise you.

“I hope that’s the case with me. But I don’t really want to go around shouting about what I do (off the pitch). When you do keep yourself away from the media or whatever, they just assume you’re the same as the rest or worse.

“It is strange sometimes, but as long as you’re true to what you believe …”

The arrogance of some of his contemporaries amuses Smith, who would recommend a stint in the lower leagues to anyone. “Some footballers think that because they play football they’re totally different from everyone else. But at the end of the day, they’re not.

“When you come away from that stadium you’re living in the same normal world as everyone else.

“Since I’ve gone to MK (on loan) I’ve realised that even more. The lads playing at that level, football is part of their life, not their whole life. It gives you an insight into what life without football would have been like – mortgages, kids, putting food on the table.

“A lot of people struggle when football finishes and you’re out of the spotlight. They’re used to being so and so who plays for this team, but can you actually speak to someone as a normal man?”

ALAN Smith has been named the North East’s first patron of the Jaguar Academy of Sport.

For more information go to www.jaguaracademyofsport. co.uk

Milton Keynes Dons confirmed their place in the npower League 1 play-offs with a superb 1-0 win over automatic promotion-chasing Sheffield United courtesy if Alan Smith’s first goal in five years.

The Dons, down to ten men for 35 minutes following the dismissal of Daniel Powell, only needed a point, yet they claimed three from United as Smith’s first-half header proved decisive in the absorbing encounter at stadiummk.

Since switching from a striker to a midfielder Smith has been short of goals, but his first in a Dons strip ensured their second play-off campaign in as many years and strengthened their grip on fourth place.

An entertaining spectacle throughout was played out in front of the Dons’ largest League gate of the season with over 15,000 fans in attendance.

With plenty resting on the game Sheffield United were backed by an incredible 6,000 travelling supporters which made for an electric atmosphere inside stadiummk as kick-off approached.

Both sides showed great intent to play the game in an easy-on-the-eye style with some neat passing ensuring every inch of the pitch enjoyed a share of the ball. There were half-chances at either end of the pitch in the opening 10 minutes when a Dons corner was nodded back across the box by Gary MacKenzie and Dean Lewington’s attempt to bundle the ball over was cleared on the line by a United body.

At the other end Matthew Hill was afforded the space to race down the left flank to deliver an excellent cross into the box which was intended for Chris Porter but Lewington did well to track back and ensure the forward was unable to get on the end of it.

The Dons enjoyed a strong share of possession and when they took a second corner in quick succession the home side were looking to exploit a shaky back four. It was exactly what they did as Lewington nodded back Dean Bowditch’s corner into the path of Smith, who was on hand to head the ball over the line.

Leeds-born Smith took great delight in celebrating his first goal since 2007, when he last found his name on the score sheet for Manchester United against Roma in the Champions League. The midfielder also made sure he enjoyed the chance to celebrate in front of the fans from South Yorkshire.

It was clear the goal had knocked some of the confidence out of United as passes become misplaced and shots went wayward - in particular a half-volley from Porter from 18-yards blazed well over.

The Dons were excellent on the ball and equally as impressive off it as they were quick to close down the Blades to limit their options and found holes in the United side with their pass-and-move policy.

There were some rash challenges flying in from United, possibly born out of frustration, with former Don Stephen Quinn finding his name in the referee’s book for a rash challenge on Adam Chicksen. Lee Williamson and Lewington’s names quickly followed after foul on the Dons skipper boiled over.

Williamson’s battle with Lewington was becoming a real feisty head-to-head and when the winger got the better of the left-back United had a chance to pull level a minute before the break. Wiliamson’s corner was a good one but the header from Harry Maguire was a weak one as it fell into the arms of Martin,

At the opposite end Gary MacKenzie had the opportunity to double the lead when the Dons had their own corner, but the defender’s free header from Williams’ delivery fell wide.

The half-time team talk clearly inspired the Blades to come out with more attacking intent and the Dons were put under pressure as they began to push forward. Quinn, who had been quiet in the first half, looked lively as he delivered a cross to the edge of the box but as Maguire tried to control the ball Gleeson was able to charge down the chance.

There was a real urgency about United yet the Dons’ back four stayed strong during the storm and were given great support by the likes of Gleeson and Darren Potter.

On the hour-mark the Blades made a double substitution with Ryan Flynn and Michael O’Halloran introduced. Their first duty though was to help them defend a Lewington free-kick, however the run of MacKenzie caught out the United side and he was able to plant a thunderous free-header on the ball only for the post to deny him before the Blades defence cleared for a corner.

This time Bowitch’s corner found Smith at the near post and his powerful nod looked goal-bound until Michael Doyle headed clear on the line.

With momentum swinging back in the Dons’ favour they were dealt a blow in the 65th minute when Powell, booked 14 minutes earlier for unsporting behaviour, was shown his second caution for a perceived high arm on Hill.

The Dons were already lining up the chance to bring on Luke Chadwick and after going down to ten men they also brought on Jabo Ibehre to track back in defensive duties.

United were desperate to make their one-man advantage count as O’Halloran turned easily on the edge of the area to advance into the Dons box, but Williams was excellent in his timing with a fine challenge to null the threat.

A poor kick from MacKenzie created another avenue of attack for the Blades when the cross from the left was picked up by Doyle inches inside the box, but Martin stayed calm to make a comfortable save.

As United committed men forward their defence was left exposed at time and Ibehre looked to make the most of it as he powered past his marker to force a fingertip save from Steve Simonsen.

Minutes later he caught them out on the counterattack, this time breaking through from the left flank beating Simonsen his shot came off the base of the post to deny the Dons a much-deserved second goal.

It was a tense final few minutes of the game as the Blades’ relentless pressure continued and when a fine cross from the right dragged across the goalmouth the Dons’ hearts were in their mouths. United though, were unable to find the killer touch to find the equaliser.

A huge cheer greeted the final whistle as the Dons made sure of their top-six status.

MK Dons (4-2-3-1): Martin; Chicksen, MacKenzie, Williams, Lewington (c); Potter, Gleeson; Bowditch (O’Shea 75), Smith (Ibehre 69), Powell; MacDonald (Chadwick 69).

Subs not used: McLoughlin, Flanagan.

Booked: Lewington, Gleeson, Powell

Goal: Smith 16

Sent-off: Powell 66

Sheffield United: Simonsen, Lowton, Hoskins (O’Halloran 61), Doyle (c), Williamson, Collins, Maguire, Porter (Beattie 77), McDonald, Quinn (Flynn 61), Hill.

Subs not used: Howard, Taylor.

Booked: Quinn, Williamson

Referee: Dean Whitestone (Northamptonshire)

Attendance: 15,938 (6,135 away)

Goal-Dons Goal time: 1st goal 15.10

15:21 Goal scored

Goal - Alan Smith - MK Dons 1 - 0 Sheff Utd Alan Smith scores a headed goal from close range. Milton Keynes Dons 1-0 Sheff Utd.

Saturday’s reddot matchday programme will carry an exclusive interview with Alan Smith.

The on-loan Newcastle United midfielder has let his football do the talking since switching to stadiummk in January, but speaks in his one and only interview to reddot ahead of the massive clash against Sheffield United.

He explains why he finds life at MK Dons ‘refreshing’, opens up about that injury and explains why he is desperate to be part of a Dons team that finally achieves promotion via the play-offs.

The largest League crowd of the season is expected at stadiummk for a huge clash between second and fourth in the table. The Dons need just one more point to confirm their involvement in the play-offs, but United head to MK1 knowing victory coupled with a Sheffield Wednesday defeat would seal automatic promotion back to the Championship.

However, Smith has no plans to see the Blades celebrating at the end of the game. The 31-year-old midfielder wants to see the Dons extend their winning run to three matches which would spark the perfect momentum for the play-offs.

Speaking in the programme interview, Smith said: “Obviously the battle between Sheffield United and Sheffield Wednesday is all about who gets automatic promotion, I think both of those Clubs would have been expecting it at the start of the year.

“For a city it has probably been great for Sheffield, but I am hoping that one of them is disappointed at the end of it because we will have to meet one of them in the play-offs at some time.

“This is a long season, it’s probably the toughest League 1 there has ever been so who ever gets there deserves it but we won’t have anything in our mind other than getting three points for ourselves. We’re not looking to spoil the party, we just want to secure our own place in the play-offs.”

Grab a programme at stadiummk on Saturday for just £3 for the full exclusive interview, plus the thoughts of Charlie MacDonald, Paul Heald’s A-Z and the latest news and gossip from Simon Crampton’s Bootroom.

MK Dons moved into fourth place in the League 1 table and edged ever closer to the play-offs with a commanding 3-0 win over Scunthorpe United.

Dean Bowditch opened the scoring in a low-key first half before the Dons, in a dominant display, turned the screw on a poor Scunthorpe side with Daniel Powell adding a second before Shaun Williams netted a 40-yard stunner to wrap up the three points.

The hosts were sent down to 10 men in with 19 minutes remaining when an off-the-ball incident was brought to referee Carl Berry’s attention by fourth official Nigel Smith and resulted in the dismissal of Jordan Robertson.

At that point though, the Dons were already two goals to the good and in full control.

The one blemish for the Dons on a good outing though was a late injury picked up by goalkeeper David Martin, who has totalled 51 appearances this season. It did however pave way for Ian McLoughlin to make a late appearance and earn his League debut for the Dons.

The Dons, with Alan Smith back in the starting line-up in place of Jabo Ibehre, travelled to Glanford Park knowing they faced the draw specialist of the division and with the aim of ending a 10-game unbeaten run by The Iron.

There was little worthy of note to take place inside the opening 10 minutes as the tempo failed to gather in a scrappy beginning. There were hints of an interesting battle ahead between Scunthorpe’s Cliff Byrne and Alan Smith as the defender closely marked Smith during David Martin’s goal kicks.

The Dons tried hard to force their style of play on their hosts and in the 11th minute it proved successful. A smart pass by Darren Potter, who inked a new two-year deal with the Club two days earlier, opened up space for Charlie MacDonald on the right of the box and the striker played a fine cross in for Bowditch to finish past Sam Slocombe.

It was a bright spark in an otherwise quiet game, but it provided the lift needed and forced Scunthorpe to become a little more open in their approach. A fine through ball from midfield cut the defence in half and signs were ominous for the Dons when Jordan Robertson latched onto the ball, however, Adam Chicken marked his man well to time a challenge to perfection and null the chance.

The Iron lacked composure in front of goal and Josh Walker was guilty of wasting a golden opportunity when he went for glory from the edge of the box only to blaze over. Scunthorpe were offered another chance minutes later when the Dons’ back four was pulled apart and a slip by Dean Lewington invited Mark Duffy through for a one-on-one.

However, Martin, wearing the bright pink ‘keeper’s kit for the first time this season, denied the midfielder with a full-stretch save at his right post.

At the other end the Dons found it harder to break through The Iron backline but a free-kick from Lewington offered them the chance to once again threaten Slocombe’s goal. The skipper’s delivery was headed clear but only as far as Stephen Gleeson, who took a touch and drilled into the arms of the goalie who, after an initial spill, managed to recover.

The Dons showed great desire to extend their lead after the break with some impressive football in the Scunthorpe half, both Bowditch and Gleeson were lively around the box and only a diving block from David Mirfin prevented a drilled effort from Bowditch from nestling into the back of the net.

A lovely ball from Potter invited a break from the Dons and a heavy touch from Mirfin opened up a chance for Powell, but Slocombe was fast off his line as he made the brave decision to block with his feet.

A matter of minutes later though MacDonald made inroads down the right of the box to once again he provided a fine cross into the six-yard area and this time it was Powell who was in the right place at the right time to finish at the near post.

Jimmy Ryan single-handedly was trying to drag Scunthorpe back into the game with his energetic bursts down the wings and lively play in the Dons’ final third.

A stern challenge from Williams did not deter him and when he spotted the chance, he fed a fine through ball into the path of Robertson, yet the forward fluffed his line as he drag a low shot well wide.

Scunthorpe were allowing the Dons to play around them but when a rare sloppy pass went astray from Potter the Iron were given a chance to test Martin. Sam Togwell raced clear before spraying the ball to Ryan, yet another effort was miscued by the home side as the ball fell offtarget.

In the 72nd minute an incident off the ball to place between Robertson and MacKenzie, with the Dons defender left on the floor. Referee Carl Berry was flagged down by the fourth official, who had seen the incident unfold in which Robertson had raised his hand to MacKenzie’s face, and the Scunthorpe man was subsequently shown a straight red card.

With a man advantage the Dons were keen to press on for a more convincing scoreline and they were denied a third when Lewington’s curling free-kick came off the underside of the post.

However, a third did come for the Dons and it came in spectacular fashion as Williams unleashed a superb 40-yard drill which few through the bodies in front of him and into the back of Slocombe’s net.

The victory moved the Dons ever closer to the play-offs.

Scunthorpe United (4-3-3): Slocombe; Bryne, Reid (c), Mirfin, Togwell; Duffy (Jennings 80), Walker (Gibbons 70), Ryan; Reckford, Barcham, Robertson.

Subs not used: Lillis, Nolan, Canavan.Booked: Ryan

Sent-off: Robertson 71

MK Dons (4-2-3-1): Martin (McLoughlin 90); Chicksen, MacKenzie, Williams, Lewington (c); Potter, Gleeson; Powell, Smith (Ibehre 74), Bowditch (O’Shea 66); MacDonald.Subs not used: Flanagan, Chadwick

Booked: Williams

Goals: Bowditch 11, Powell 54, Williams

Attendance: 4,111 (238 away)

Strikers Jabo Ibehre and Charlie MacDonald both start against Chesterfield after returning to goal scoring form in the 3-0 win over Exeter City last week.

The introduction of Ibehre is one of two changes for the Dons as he takes the place of Dean Bowditch who is rested as a precaution due to a knock. The Dons forward will play just behind lone-striker MacDonald as part of the three-pronged support in attack.

Luke Chadwick also returns to the starting line-up after coming off the bench seven days ago.

After a strong defensive display last week, the Dons’ back four remains the same with Shaun Williams and Tom Flanagan in the centre while Mathias Kouo-Doumbe continues to fill in for James Tavernier, who is still nursing a knee injury.

Stephen Gleeson is serving the second of his three-match ban so Alan Smith retains his place alongside Darren Potter in the defensive midfield role.

Chesterfield (4-4-2): Lee; Hurst, Trotman (c), Thompson, Ridehalgh; Whitaker, Allott, Moussa, Talbot; Bowery, Lester.

Subs: Fleming, Westcarr, Ajose, Mendy, Ford.

MK Dons (4-2-3-1): Martin; Kouo-Doumbe, Flanagan, Williams, Lewington (c); Potter, Smith; Chadwick, Ibehre, O’Shea; MacDonald.

Subs: McLoughlin, Chicksen, Slane, Powell, Hall

MK Dons bounced back from their midweek defeat to Yeovil in emphatic fashion as they beat Exeter City 3-0 at stadiummk to keep up the pace with the promotion-chasing pack.

There was an element of fortune as the Dons took the lead when Mathias Kouo-Doumbe’s shot was deflected by Jonathan Fortune, and Charlie MacDonald’s standing leg turned in a second for the homes side.

Exeter put up some fight in the second half with David Martin in action on a number of occasions but when Jabo Ibehre tucked away the third of the afternoon the points were in the bag for Karl Robinson’s team.

The Dons made three changes to the side that lost to Yeovil in midweek with MacDonald, Darren Potter and Tom Flanagan starting as Mathias Kouo-Doumbe moved to right-back and Jay O’Shea moved into the supporting striker role.

There was just over 30 seconds on the clock when Exeter ‘keeper Artur Krysaik was called into action as Dean Bowditch, who was keen to make up for his missed penalty against Yeovil, weaved into space on the left to beat his marker to send low shot across the goal mouth to sting Krysaik’s palms.

The moment of action hinted it would be a fast-paced afternoon, but the opening 15 minutes failed to live up to that as the Dons tried to impose their style of play on the visitors. With Potter back in the team it allowed Alan Smith to venture forward more than normal.

Karl Robinson urged his team to be more clinical in front of goal as they prepared for the Grecians but an element of luck helped them break the deadlock in the 17th minute. Mathias Kouo-Doumbe pushed up field to collect a pass from Potter on the right of the box, the defender opted for a drilled shot which picked up a deflection on City’s Jon Fortune and found its way into the net.

Initially the Press Association record the goal as an own goal by Fortune, but the goal was eventually given to Kouo-Doumbe after some deliberation.

Exeter, who were fourth from bottom before kick-off, showed hints of their fragile nature when the Dons broke on the attack and acres of space opened in front of them.

When Smith threaded a ball from the right MacDonald made a nuisance of himself in the box and was able to get side foot his effort beyond the reach of Krysiak. There were hints of a deflection from Troy Archibald-Henville in the goal but it is MacDonald that will be keen to claim his first goal of 2012.

The Dons were goal-hungry and determined to keep adding to the score line and they almost did just that when Potter’s ability to pull the strings was highlighted when he found a way around the wall of defenders in front of him to find Kouo-Doumbe on his right.

Kouo-Doumbe drove through the box and when Krysiak parried the shot O’Shea’s follow-up was deflected for a corner.

Exeter struggled to get time on the ball to be able to string together enough passes to cause David Martin any problems at the Cowshed goal. It took eight minutes into the second half for City to carry an element of threat about them when striker Jamie Cureton hassled Shaun Williams, eventually getting the better of the defender, however, with only Martin to beat the Leyton Orient loanee sent his strike straight into the arms of the goalie.

The Dons had not quite managed to regain their rhythm and momentum that had hinted at them running riot, instead it was City who looked the more likely to score and when space opened up in front of Chris Shephard it was only a good low save from Martin that denied him.

Martin was back in the thick of it when O’Flynn glanced a header goal-bound but once again the Dons number one could not be beaten.

As the home side began to huff and puff Robinson opted for some fresh legs in attack and brought Luke Chadwick and Jabo Ibehre on for 20 minutes in the place of Powell and Bowditch.

The Dons continued their search for a third when a superb diagonal pass found O’Shea on the right touchline who in turn crossed to Chadwick, but the midfielder drilled straight at Artur.

The third did come though, a great pass from O’Shea released Ibehre who turn on the speed to break free into the box to slot the ball past Krysiak. The forward then wheeled away to celebrate by bowing in front of his adoring fans in the Cowshed.

It then became one-way traffic that Exeter had to contend with and when Tom Flanagan was afforded the space inside the box he smashed a fine right-footed volley which was only kept out by a great reaction save at the near post from Krysiak.

Paul Slane’s good work on the right set the Dons off in search of a third, the ball passed through Ibehre, Chadwick and O’Shea before Lewington was able to whip in a cross and Smith was waiting with a great header only to be once again denied by the Grecian ‘keeper.

In injury-time City almost grabbed a consolation when a cross from Shephard set-up a golden opportunity for Richard Logan, yet inexplicably from eight-yards out fired over.

MK Dons (4-2-3-1): Martin; Kouo-Doumbe, Flanagan, Williams, Lewington (c); Potter, Smith; Powell (Ibehre 70), O’Shea, Bowditch (Chadwick 70); MacDonald (Slane 82).

Subs not used: McLoughlin, Chicksen.

Goals: Kouo-Doumbe 17, MacDonald 27, Ibehre 78

Exeter City: Krysiak, Tully (c), Dunne, Archibald-Henville, Sercombe, Cureton, Coles, O’Flynn, Bennett (Shepard 31), Fortune (O’Brein 70), Taylor (Logan 65).

Subs not used: Bauza, Pidgeley

Booked: Shephard

Referee: Iain Williamson (Berkshire)

Attendance: 9,016 (377 away)

Goal-Don Goal times: 1st goal 16.32, 2nd goal 26.43, 3rd goal 77.39