City picked up a hard-fought point at Stadium MK as they played out a goalless draw against MK Dons.
The first chance came in the 7th minute as Nathan Holland drove inside City’s box before firing wide of the far post.
City won the first corner in the 10th minute as Jack Diamond made his way to the byline before his cross was blocked behind. The resulting delivery from Max Sanders was flicked on at the near post by Danny Mandroiu, but nobody inside the area could make the necessary contact.
City’s second chance came six minutes later as Harry Boyes delivered a cross into the MK Dons box, but Warren O’Hora was on hand to head away for the hosts, earning City another corner. Sanders’ delivery followed, but MK Dons were eventually able to clear.
Boyes was a threat again in the 21st minute, driving forward before finding Ted Bishop down the right. City’s winger fired a first time cross into the hosts' area which earned the Imps their fourth corner of the game.
City were close to opening the scoring from the following set-piece as the cross was met by the head of Jackson who got up ahead of Jamie Cumming, but his header looped towards the far post where Tom Hopper was flagged offside as he tried to nod over the line.
Just before half-time, Diamond fired a powerful effort goalwards which forced Cumming to save, initially parrying the strike before diving on top of the ball to prevent a rebound.
City started the second half brightly as Sanders was able to find Diamond who skipped past a couple of Dons defenders before forcing Cumming into a fine save, diving low to his left.
The hosts came back in the 54th minute as Holland drove forward with Adam Jackson coming across to block the winger’s attempted shot on goal. The following set-piece was cleared by Lasse Sorensen.
A minute later, Mo Eisa was played behind City’s defence and looked to cross to Matthew Dennis who was unable to make contact on the slide.
City were continued to defend well, including in the 81st minute when Dennis fired from inside the box, however Boyes was able to block his strike well.
The following corner was delivered by Dawson Devoy but Sorensen poked clear before Tennai Watson’s cross was met by Dennis again, forcing Rushworth to save.
The hosts had the majority of the possesion in the final stages, but the Imps continued to stand firm to see out the draw.
City: Carl Rushworth, Regan Poole, Harry Boyes, Adam Jackson, Max Sanders, Tom Hopper (Jovon Makama 90’) ©, Ted Bishop (Mide Shodipo 66’), Paudie O’Connor, Danny Mandroiu (Charles Vernam 84’), Lasse Sorensen, Jack Diamond (TJ Eyoma 90’). Subs (not used): Jordan Wright, Tashan Oakley-Boothe, Jay Benn.
MK Dons: Jamie Cumming, Tennai Watson, Jack Tucker, Warren O’Hora © (Zak Jules 29’), Josh McEachran, Ethan Robson (Bradley Johnson 57’), Mo Eisa, Nathan Holland (Will Grigg 66’), Louie Barry (Matthew Dennis 57’), Daniel Harvie, Dawson Devoy. Subs (not used): Franco Ravizzoli, Matt Smith, Henry Lawrence.
Referee: Benjamin Speedie
Attendance: 8,317 (885 away).
