Outplayed again

Charlton were once again outplayed by a better quality side at home tonight, losing 0-2 to MK Dons for a fourth straight defeat.  The Dons played a patient, possession game waiting for their opportunities to score.  Charlton were unable to create anything without a shot on target.

It was a low tempo start.  An early cross from Leko was far too heavy.

MK Dons got a ball through, but MacGillivray came out to save.

The ball went across the six yard box, but no Charlton player was able to connect.

Charlton won the first corner on 23 minutes after a good run by Matthews.  Lavelle's header was wide.

MK Dons broke and Morgan had to make a block at the expense of a corner.

A Castillo volley took a deflection for a Charlton corner.

Twine threatened, but Famewo did well to recover.

MK Dons had been looking more lively after their laborious start and Watson gave the visitors the lead on 40 minutes after a great assist by Coventry.   It was not well defended, Matthews should have been more alert.   It was the only shot on target by either side.

Curbs said it was an even first half, but when we got into the final third he was waiting for something to happen and when they were in the final third he was worried.  'We don't look as if we can open them up at the moment.'

HT: 0-1

Famewo gave away a free kick in a dangerous position in the first minute, but Twine's effort went wide.

Castillo had to concede a corner.   Gilbey made an important header over the bar off the line at the expense of a second corner.

Following a corner won by Matthews, Burstow was not able to take advantage of a cross at pace from Morgan.

MK Dons had a spell of possession.   We gave the ball away in midfield, MacGillivray saved a shot, but Kessler-Hayden pounced to make it 0-2 on 58 minutes.

On 62 minutes DJ replaced Leko who had contributed very little.

Burstow went off with what looked like a hamstring injury and Lee came on.

Gilbey got the first booking of the evening for a challenge.

Dobson was replaced by Campbell on 87 minutes.

Curbs said he thought we were better than what we were showing at the moment.  Jake Forster-Caskey said that we had had a tough run of fixtures with an injury hit side.

Scott Minto said that George Dobson was superb in terms of work rate and effort.

Charlton remain 16th and nine points clear of the relegation zone, the games involving teams below us generally going our way.

Johnnie Jackson doesn't think the formation was the reason for Charlton's defeat: https://londonnewsonline.co.uk/johnnie-jackson-answers-question-over-playing-three-at-the-back-following-loss-to-milton-keynes/

Jayden Stockley is back in light training, Chuks Aneke is a long term injury.   Conor Washington is likely to be the first back, but not in time for Saturday.