'Damage is already done' – MK Dons vs Crawley Town prediction: The72

09/05/2024 14:19

MK Dons host Crawley Town in the second leg of their League Two play-off semi-final and the visitors hold the clear advantage ahead of the tie.

MK Dons travelled to Crawley Town earlier this week and after the originally scheduled tie was called off for a waterlogged pitch, a one-sided affair panned out the following day.

The Red Devils put in an electric performance on home turf to emerge 3-0 victors. Much of the damage was done in the first half with Liam Kelly and Jay Williams putting them in control before the break, with Ronan Darcy’s deflected effort making it three in the second half.

Many will have viewed Mike Williamson’s side as the favourites in this tie and perhaps in the play-offs overall, but they face an uphill battle against Scott Lindsey and co.

Few expected Crawley Town to reach such heights with some left-field recruits seeing many tip them to fight relegation this season.

However, a fantastic campaign for the club saw them sneak into the play-offs and after a brilliant performance in the opening leg, they have one foot in the Wembley final where either Crewe Alexandra or Doncaster Rovers await.

Here, a handful of our writers make their predictions for the game…

James Ray

“You can’t help but feel the damage is already done in this tie.

“Few sides would be able to turn over a three-goal deficit in any two-legged tie, let alone one with as much riding on it as this. However, MK Dons have been a force at home before and we have seen them thrash sides at Stadium MK, so Williamson and co can’t give up hope yet.

“I just think Crawley will book their final place though, and they might avoid defeat on the night too.

“MK conceded eight goals in their last two home games in the regular season and Town had been decent on the road. I think that leads to an entertaining draw here.”

MK Dons vs Crawley Town prediction: 2-2

Harry Mail

“MK Dons aren’t completely out of this I don’t think. Strangers things have happened in football, Sheffield Wednesday managed to turn around a 4-0 lead against Peterborough United in the League One play-offs last year.

“If the Dons get the first goal the nerves could start to hit Crawley Town and lift the mood around the stadium.

“The visitors just need to keep their opponents at bay and they will be on their way to Wembley. They should be in confident mood and although I don’t think it will be an easy night for them, I think they will get through in the end.”

MK Dons vs Crawley Town prediction: 2-1

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