Match report

Grimsby Hold Off Milton Keynes Dons 2-2 In League Two Thriller

Grimsby
Grimsby
2–2
FT
Milton Keynes Dons
Milton Keynes Dons
Jan 31, 2026

Grimsby managed to hold off a strong challenge from Milton Keynes Dons, securing a 2-2 draw at their home ground in a thrilling League Two encounter on January 31. Goals from J. Kabia twice put Grimsby ahead before C. Paterson and M. Ekpiteta equalized for the visitors. The match was filled with twists and turns, showcasing a high level of competitive football.

Key Facts

  • • Final score: Grimsby 2-2 Milton Keynes Dons.
  • • C. Paterson (Penalty) scored the first goal for Milton Keynes Dons in the 22nd minute.
  • • M. Ekpiteta extended MK Dons' lead with a normal goal in the 28th minute.
  • • J. Kabia pulled one back for Grimsby in the 64th minute, scoring from an assist by R. Staunton.
  • • Kabia equalized again in the 72nd minute to secure the draw.

Lineups

Grimsby

Formation: 4-1-4-1

Starting XI

  • 31 J. Smith (G)
  • 5 H. Rodgers (D)
  • 6 S. Lavelle (D)
  • 17 C. McJannet (D)
  • 3 J. Sweeney (D)
  • 20 G. McEachran (M)
  • 9 J. Kabia
  • 7 J. Walker (M)
  • 8 E. Khouri (M)
  • 30 C. Vernam (M)
  • 39 A. Cook (F)

Substitutes

  • 18 D. Burns
  • 14 J. Amaluzor
  • 29 C. Oduor
  • 40 T. Sellars-Fleming
  • 16 R. Staunton
  • 15 G. D. Turi
  • 21 T. Warren

Milton Keynes Dons

Formation: 3-1-4-2

Starting XI

  • 1 C. MacGillivray (G)
  • 21 M. Ekpiteta (D)
  • 25 C. Nelson (D)
  • 15 L. Offord (D)
  • 6 L. Kelly (M)
  • 2 G. Jones (M)
  • 26 B. Wiles (M)
  • 8 A. Gilbey (M)
  • 22 J. Mellish (M)
  • 10 A. Collins (F)
  • 13 C. Paterson (F)

Substitutes

  • 29 R. Hepburn-Murphy
  • 9 S. Hogan
  • 24 C. Lemonheigh-Evans
  • 28 J. Matete
  • 16 A. Nemane
  • 14 J. Tomlinson
  • 27 C. Trueman

Timeline

  1. Milton Keynes Dons
    22' Milton Keynes Dons Goal · Penalty
    C. Paterson
  2. Grimsby
    27' Grimsby subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Jayden Sweeney · On: R. Staunton
  3. Milton Keynes Dons
    28' Milton Keynes Dons Goal · Normal Goal
    M. Ekpiteta
  4. Grimsby
    35' Grimsby Card · Yellow Card
    C. Vernam

    Foul

  5. Grimsby
    64' Grimsby Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Kabia
  6. Milton Keynes Dons
    71' Milton Keynes Dons subst · Substitution 1
    Off: C. Paterson · On: R. Hepburn-Murphy
  7. Milton Keynes Dons
    71' Milton Keynes Dons subst · Substitution 2
    Off: L. Kelly · On: C. Lemonheigh-Evans
  8. Grimsby
    72' Grimsby Goal · Normal Goal
    J. Kabia · Assist: R. Staunton
  9. Milton Keynes Dons
    75' Milton Keynes Dons Card · Yellow Card
    L. Offord

    Foul

  10. Grimsby
    79' Grimsby subst · Substitution 2
    Off: S. Lavelle · On: T. Warren
  11. Milton Keynes Dons
    84' Milton Keynes Dons subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Unknown player · On: J. Matete
  12. Grimsby
    86' Grimsby subst · Substitution 3
    Off: A. Cook · On: J. Amaluzor
  13. Grimsby
    87' Grimsby subst · Substitution 4
    Off: J. Walker · On: G. D. Turi
  14. Grimsby
    90'+6 Grimsby subst · Substitution 5
    Off: C. Vernam · On: T. Sellars-Fleming
  15. Milton Keynes Dons
    90'+8 Milton Keynes Dons Card · Yellow Card
    J. Matete

    Foul

Match Stats

Stat Grimsby Milton Keynes Dons
Fouls 7 16
Pass Accuracy 60% 45%
Offsides 1 0
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 12 8
Corners 9 6
Total Passes 360 228
Yellow Cards 1 2
Blocked Shots 2 3
Shots on Target 3 2
xG 1.32 1.25
Shots off Target 7 3
Possession 62% 38%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 216 103
Shots Inside Box 7 6
Saves 0 1
Shots Outside Box 5 2

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Milton Keynes Dons took a surprising early lead with two quick goals from Paterson and Ekpiteta, putting pressure on Grimsby.
  • ▸ J. Kabia's double comeback in the second half turned the game around for Grimsby, demonstrating their resilience.