MK Dons V Pool

Pool look to get their name in the draw for the third round of the F.A. cup but to do so they need to overcome MK Don`s.

After finally getting past Farsley Celtic the Dons were rewarded with a home tie against League one side Blackpool. The Seasiders are just above mid table, comfortably above the drop zone but a far cry from being in contention for promotion. A half decent cup run is the only thing realistically left for them to play for this season.

The visitors have been on a good little run of late only losing away at Tranmere last weekend for the first time in nine outings. Still playing in a half built ground to crowds only just larger than ours the Tangerines have really lost direction over the last few years with no inspiration at the helm. If they were to be visiting Denbigh for this fixture how sick would they be feeling when they found out we`ve built a 30,000 capacity stadium in between their builder`s last two visits to Bloomfield Road. If our push for promotion is successful then they may just be visiting Denbigh sooner rather than later.

The Dons go into this cup match without Izale, who sits it out due to gaining his fifth yellow card of the season. Gary Smith is unlikely to be risked just yet as his comeback game from injury was a casualty of Monday nights down pour, so yet again Smudger will be sat in the stands with us, Albie may have recovered in time from the knock to his ankle two weeks ago which would probably shatter Scot Taylor`s hopes of playing against his old club. We hope Lee Harper has had no further problems to his leg injury he picked up in training nearly two weeks ago.

This game pitches us, even though we have home advantage, as the underdogs and we know Milton Keynes is not a happy hunting ground for Blackpool, twice they have visited us here and twice they have conceded three goals and left pointless. Three years ago we sent them packing 3-1 with goals from McLeod, Smart and Steve Palmer (a header at the Smith End). Last season we spanked them 3-0 in a relegation season with Izale bagging two and Scott Taylor scoring one of his

Izale McLoad is missing due to a ban which will mean former Pool player Scott Taylor will lead the line. Loanee Paul Butler is allowed to play, and Lee Harper will play if he recovers from a head injury.

The former Pool front man will be looking to impress his former employees.

Simon Grayson will be forced to change things around, Wes Hoolahan is suspended after picking up his fifth booking of the season. His place will go to either Rory Prendergast or Clause Jorgensen.

Gareth Farrelly might make an appearance, loan man Fernandez is allowed to play but no news on Stoke loanee Andy Wilkinson.

David Fox had a great game at Tranmere going about his business, he keeps the game ticking and can pop up with the odd goal

The two sides met twice last season in the league. Pool won the home game 3-2, the winner coming from Jamie Burns. In the match at the NHS Pool lost out 3-0, Izale McLeod bagging in a brace.

G K Hegley - Hertfordshire - Games: 12 Yellow Cards: 25 Red Cards: 0
I K Scarr
G J Lewis

MK Dons 1 - 2 Pool

Football League One Cheltenham H 05-12-2006

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