Match report: MK Dons 1 -1 Huddersfield Town

Mar 11 2009 by Dougie Thomson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

TOWN’S slim hopes of a play-off place remain alive.

An Andy Butler strike earned a priceless point from a tough encounter with the high-flying Dons.

Andy Booth made his first start since September 20 and his return also marked his 600th game for his hometown club – Everton loanee Lukas Jutkiewicz was dropped to the bench.

Anthony Pilkington shook off an ankle injury sustained in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Millwall to start and Tom Clarke was also included in the absence of Lionel Ainsworth, with Michael Flynn taking a place on the bench.

The Dons, without suspended skipper Dean Lewington, had Jason Puncheon, their loan signing from Plymouth, back in their line-up.

The Dons started brightly and former Manchester United youth product Luke Chadwick had the first chance, but his low drive was well saved by Town teenage keeper Alex Smithies – celebrating his call-up to the England Under 19 squad.

Smithies was in the thick of it again on 10 minutes and needed treatment for a blow sustained while trying to reach a cross.

The home side continued to push the pace and on 16 minutes Sam Baldock made a superb break beating two defenders before crashing a 20 yard shot against the woodwork.

Town began to make some in-roads with widemen Gary Roberts and Pilkington causing the Dons defence most problems.

Town were under pressure again on 33 minutes when Andy Butler fouled Aaron Wilbraham but Puncheon’s 22 yard free kick was too high.