Match ends, Walsall 0, MK Dons 3.
WalsallWalsall0MK DonsMilton Keynes Dons3
Striker Izale McLeod scored a goal in each half as MK Dons ended Walsall's seven-game unbeaten run with an impressive win at the Bescot Stadium.
The home defence struggled in the blustery wind and McLeod clipped over keeper Richard O'Donnell for the first.
Andy Butler was then sent off for bringing McLeod down in the box and Ben Reeves doubled the lead from the spot.
McLeod fired his seventh of the season before sub Michael Ngoo missed a spot-kick for Walsall after he was fouled.
The 6ft 6ins striker, making his debut following his recent arrival on loan from Liverpool, shot tamely at David Martin in the 89th minute to cap a below-par showing from the Saddlers, who had the wind in their favour after the break, but were unable to trouble the Dons defence.
Walsall dropped one place to seventh as a result of the defeat, with the visitors - who had lost their three previous games - climbing two places to ninth, seven points outside the play-off places.
VIEW FROM THE DRESSING ROOM
MK Dons manager Karl Robinson told BBC Three Counties Radio:
"I thought the players deserved tremendous credit today because they took an awful lot of criticism, and they've come here today, they've worked on a certain system.
"It was a good performance. Before the game I was in quite a positive mood; the lads have worked hard all week.
"(McLeod's) second goal was a wonder goal, but he scored two and won a penalty, so I think the man of match decision is quite easy. "
Line-ups
Walsall
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1O'Donnell
- 2Purkiss
- 14Benning
- 7Chambers
- 12Downing
- 4ButlerBooked at 43mins
- 29BrandySubstituted forFeatherstoneat 77'minutes
- 8Mantom
- 10WestcarrSubstituted forNgooat 64'minutes
- 25SawyersSubstituted forMcQuilkinat 81'minutes
- 9Lalkovic
Substitutes
- 6Featherstone
- 11Hemmings
- 13Lewis
- 16Baxendale
- 24Hewitt
- 26McQuilkin
- 30Ngoo
MK Dons
Formation 4-2-3-1
- 1Martin
- 5Hodson
- 3Lewington
- 8Potter
- 24Kay
- 23Spence
- 17PowellSubstituted forBaldockat 85'minutes
- 7Gleeson
- 13McLeodSubstituted forChadwickat 90+1'minutes
- 12Reeves
- 22CarruthersSubstituted forHallat 85'minutes
Substitutes
- 10Chadwick
- 11Smith
- 14Alli
- 16McLoughlin
- 18Baldock
- 19Galloway
- 21Hall
- Referee:
- James Linington
- Attendance:
- 4,116
Match Stats
Home TeamWalsallAway TeamMK Dons
- Possession
- Home48%
- Away52%
- Shots
- Home9
- Away16
- Shots on Target
- Home3
- Away5
- Corners
- Home6
- Away4
- Fouls
- Home8
- Away9
Live Text
Post update
Full Time
Second Half ends, Walsall 0, MK Dons 3.
Post update
Corner, MK Dons. Conceded by Ben Purkiss.
Substitution
Substitution, MK Dons. Luke Chadwick replaces Izale McLeod.
Post update
Corner, MK Dons. Conceded by Nicky Featherstone.
Post update
Penalty saved! Michael Ngoo (Walsall) fails to capitalise on this great opportunity, right footed shot saved in the bottom right corner.
Post update
Penalty Walsall. Michael Ngoo draws a foul in the penalty area.
Post update
Penalty conceded by Anthony Kay (MK Dons) after a foul in the penalty area.
Post update
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Anthony Kay.
Substitution
Substitution, MK Dons. Ryan Hall replaces Samir Carruthers.
Substitution
Substitution, MK Dons. George Baldock replaces Daniel Powell.
Post update
Foul by James McQuilkin (Walsall).
Post update
Dean Lewington (MK Dons) wins a free kick in the attacking half.
Substitution
Substitution, Walsall. James McQuilkin replaces Romaine Sawyers.
Post update
Corner, MK Dons. Conceded by Paul Downing.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Ben Reeves (MK Dons) right footed shot from the right side of the box is blocked.
Post update
Attempt missed. Michael Ngoo (Walsall) right footed shot from outside the box misses to the right.
Post update
Attempt blocked. Ben Reeves (MK Dons) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked.
Post update
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Anthony Kay.
Post update
Corner, Walsall. Conceded by Anthony Kay.
