Milton Keynes Dons 0 Charlton Athletic 1
I promised myself I wouldn’t watch yesterday’s match, and therefore took up the offer of late afternoon drinks in the sun instead, which was far better for the soul.
A clean sheet was the minimum ask yesterday and we got that and a goal to take the 3 points at Stadium MK.
By most opinions it sounded as we played pretty well, and although should have extended our lead to secure the win we managed the game out well despite a long injury time.
It was a nicely worked goal finished well by Jack Payne, who played on the left of the three man attack. Payne is another I am undecided about. He is adaptable and has been involved this season in 13 goals (all competitions). With a year on his contract it looks likely he will probably remain at The Valley.
Dean Holden: “It’s some goal from Payney, it’s a fantastic finish and good build-up to it. I’m pleased for him because of the red card a few weeks ago. It’s not been an easy time for him.”
Stats (CAFC first): Possession – 53% / 47%; Passes – 503 / 435; Accurate passes – 423 / 354; Shots (on target) – 10 (3) / 11 (2)
Photo credit: Kyle Andrews
Chicago Addick 
I don’t see Jack Payne as a regular starter but he makes for a decent squad player who’s worth a place on the bench as a utility attacking player, be it midfield, on the flanks or at number 10. I think we hoped for more goals from him this season but equally he probably hoped for more game time. He also offers a bit of energy off the bench. Perhaps if Ben Garner, who signed him, had stayed he would have used him a bit more.
As for the match, the important thing after Ipswich was to bounce back and you can’t argue with three points and a clean sheet. We were the better side against an outfit that needed points and overall we looked to have just a bit too much nous for them. Bear in mind we lost this fixture last season and MK also took three points off us earlier this season.
If we are to challenge for promotion next season then these are exactly the sort of games we have to win, they won’t ever be pretty matches or easy but they add up.