MK Dons begin Tisdale era and new season with Oldham win
MK Dons won their opening match of the new season and their first league game under Paul Tisdale with a 2-1 win over Oldham Athletic.
First half goals from Kieran Agard and Ryan Harley proved decisive. Oldham did get back into the contest when Dan Gardner drove in a long-range effort in the final minutes of the first half, but were unable to equalise.
The result means an opening day win for Tisdale’s side against one of the sides who were also demoted last season. However, the Dons suffered some damage along the way, with Peter Pawlett and Robbie Simpson both substituted with injuries, and Conor McGrandles stretchered off in added time.
McGrandles’ injury came after the Dons used all their subs, which meant they rode out stoppage time a man light, but the visitors were still able to take the win.
After a lively opening, the Dons received the opportunity to score first when the referee gave a penalty for a foul on George Williams. Agard stepped up, and duly beat Oldham goalkeeper Daniel Iversen from 12 yards.
Oldham began to creep into the contest, but a move involving Alex Gilbey and Agard lead to the Dons’ second. The move ended with Agard releasing Harley, who slotted home for a goal on his second Dons debut.
Simpson nearly made it three but the substitute could only head wide. This was the cue for Oldham to press, if mostly strike from range. The hosts got a goal back late in the first half when Gardner steered a drive from range into the back of the net.
For the most part, Oldham looked likelier to grab a second half goal, although the home keeper Iversen made important stops to deny McGrandles and Callum Brittain.
Blocks and last-gasp defending saw the visitors hold on to their advantage, and although they had to hold on through stoppage time with 10 men after McGrandles was taken off with a head injury, the visitors maintained their lead and notched up their first points of the new season.