Walsall drew 2-2 with Milton Keynes Dons on Monday evening, a result that flattered neither side given the chaotic nature of the second half.
MK Dons made the stronger start. Alexander Pattison opened the scoring in the 26th minute, and Rushian Hepburn-Murphy added a second four minutes later. At that stage, the visitors looked composed and well-organised, and Walsall offered little in response.
The home side transformed themselves before the interval, however. Daniel Crowley pulled one back in the 44th minute, and Aden Flint levelled almost immediately, heading Walsall level on the stroke of half-time. Two goals in the space of sixty seconds changed the complexion of the match entirely.
The second half was unsettled, with both benches heavily involved. Jon Mellish was replaced by Jamie Jellis for MK Dons in the 58th minute, while Rico Richards came on for Walsall around the same time. Scott Hogan and Albert Adomah entered for MK Dons in the final quarter, and Marvin Ekpiteta and Harrison Burke followed shortly after.
Aaron Loupalo-Bi went close for Walsall in the 82nd minute without converting, and Jon Mellish returned to the action before Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Aaron Nemane were introduced in the closing stages.
Neither side managed a winner. Walsall will feel encouraged by their recovery from two goals down; MK Dons will regret their inability to hold a commanding half-time lead.
Recap generated from the event timeline. Editorial team review by request. How we use AI.
