Burton 0-0 MK Dons: Stalemate sees visitors relegated to League Two

Sunday 7 May 2023 15:18, UK

A goalless draw at Burton was not enough for MK Dons as they suffered final day heartbreak and relegation to Sky Bet League Two.

Winless in seven games prior to the final day of the League One campaign, the Dons knew that victory would be enough to keep them up.

However, the 0-0 draw - combined with Cambridge's home win over Forest Green - was not enough to save them.

It was not for the want of trying as Mark Jackson's side peppered the Burton goal throughout but a lack of composure and an inspired display from keeper Craig MacGillivray kept them out.

The visitors had the better early chances in a nervy first half. Several efforts went wastefully high or wide, with Paris Maghoma and Conor Grant failing to hit the target.

Jonathan Leko finally got an effort on goal but was denied by the outstretched leg of MacGillivray, who then pulled off an excellent save to keep out Sullay Kaikai's curling effort.

John Brayford and Mark Helm both fired straight at goalkeeper Jamie Cumming as the hosts sought the breakthrough.

In a tense second half Zac Ashworth made a crucial block to deny Leko as time ticked away for the Dons, before substitute Dawson Devoy saw his shot thump the post.

The visitors threw everything at Burton late on and came close in a goalmouth scramble near the end.

However, they could not find a way through a resilient back line and drop to League Two.

'Relegation is heartbreaking'

MK Dons manager Mark Jackson

"It's really raw and emotional right now. Heartbreaking. Words can't describe how we feel and how we feel for the supporters and the club. We knew we had to come here and win the game. From minute one we went after the game, created opportunities and chances.

"They (Burton) had to defend for their lives and make blocks on the line. We took the game to them and the only thing we couldn't do today was put the ball in the back of the net.

"There is a lot of work to do and take stock of. Reflection is a big part of football. There were crucial moments over that run, drawing at Cheltenham and at home to Barnsley last week but we knew we had to come here today and win to secure our survival and the boys left everything out on the pitch.

"They did everything we asked of them. You can look at today's game but we are in the position we are in not due to one game but over the whole of the season."