Seventh Heaven

Last updated : 02 March 2014 By @blades_mad1889

A trip to Stadium:MK looked to be a tricky encounter prior to the game despite the Blades having gone six matches without defeat previously - this fine run included wins over Fulham and Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup to send United into the Quart-Finals and 90 minutes away from a place at Wembley. But, at a time when points are ever more valuable than a good run in a prestigious cup competition the S2 side has catapulted themselves out of the bottom four and with games in hand lay eleven points away from the top six.

Scougall has been an inspirational signing since he joined for an undisclosed fee from Livingston in January and having latched onto Conor Coady's mazy run sprinted past the Dons defence before finishing coolly past David Martin in the home goal. The goal came midway through the first half and this was no 'smash and grab' victory which many may suggest United achieved, early in the second half Baxter saw his close range effort saved by the keeper and the latter looked destined to score but was cleverly kicked off the line.

Yet it was the hosts who had given the early pressure but John Brayford, reliable as ever was on hand to mop up any advances, they enjoyed plenty of possession, passing the ball around without any difficulty but it was the visitors who carved out the first opportunity in the fifth minute but Murphy saw his penalty appeal waved away after tangling with Baldock.

Three minutes later Flynn went changing down the wing but Lewington with stood his ground and prevented further advances. On ninth minute Baxter saw his 25 yard effort comfortably saved as he tested the Dons resolve to the wire and Murphy forced a corner after unleashing a low shot.

At the other end Lewington tested Howard who had conceded just once in the previous six matches and would soon add to his tally of clean sheets, the full-back attempted to lob the former Arsenal stopper. United were forced into a change when Brayford was injured in the 17th minute, he left the field of play clutching his leg as he made way for Ben Davies arrival, leaving the back four somewhat weak with Maguire not featuring due to injury.

Davies switched to right full-back and made an immediate impact, stopping Powell on the wing. At this point both teams were enjoying shared possession and defended well until the Blades carved out an opportunity on 23rd minute which saw SCOUGALL net his second goal for his new club. He picked up Coady's short pass and sliced his way through the middle before sliding home beyond Martin.

The visitors fell victim to another injury, this time Murphy who was forced off the field six minutes towards the half-time interval with Chris Porter joining the attack and Baxter moving out to the wing which will no doubt concern Nigel Clough ahead of their next opponents Peterborough in midweek.

Has a result United were forced to re-shape but still held a commanding position and only Spence's goal-line clearance was the difference between a goal behind and the Blades forcing a two goal lead after Baxter ghosted into the box from the flank and met Scougall's cross with the perfectly poised Spence ready to clear.

Karl Robinson, the Dons boss made an unusual triple change with former Blades loanee Ryan Hall entering the fray, his first contribution was to foul Baxter with Davies free-kick deflected away for a corner. After their-own reshuffle the Dons forged their own assaults on goal but Baxter after being sent through on goal from Coady saw Martin smother his shot.

Porter, who has recently become a cup-hero after scoring twice past Forest barged his way through the defence but was unable to get past Spence and with the clock slowly ticking away the Dons desperately appealed for penalties whenever possible.

Hill, who was impressing as he deputised for the absent Maguire alongside Collins was the subject of such claims on two occasions despite clearing with his chest and feet, Baxter curled his shot over the bar as he squanded a number of chances on the day. Scougall was replaced by Academy player Terry Kennedy who came on to bolster United's defence and was not to be denied a seventh straight victory.