Match report

Milton Keynes Dons Defeat Bristol Rovers 1-0 in League Two Clash

Milton Keynes Dons
Milton Keynes Dons
1–0
FT
Bristol Rovers
Bristol Rovers
Jan 27, 2026

Milton Keynes Dons edged past Bristol Rovers in a low-scoring League Two encounter. The only goal came from Charlie Paterson, who capitalized on an assist by A. Collins to break the deadlock just before halftime. Despite multiple substitutions and several yellow cards, neither side could add to the scoreline.

Key Facts

  • • Final Score: Milton Keynes Dons 1–0 Bristol Rovers
  • • Goal: Charlie Paterson (45') assisted by A. Collins
  • • Yellow Cards: L. Offord, C. Paterson (Milton Keynes Dons)
  • • Substitutions: J. Matete for L. Kelly (MK Dons), E. Harrison for M. Rijks (Bristol Rovers)
  • • Attendance: N/A

Lineups

Milton Keynes Dons

Formation: 3-1-4-2

Starting XI

  • 1 C. MacGillivray (G)
  • 32 J. Sanders (D)
  • 25 C. Nelson (D)
  • 15 L. Offord (D)
  • 28 J. Matete (M)
  • 16 A. Nemane (M)
  • 26 B. Wiles (M)
  • 8 A. Gilbey (M)
  • 22 J. Mellish (M)
  • 10 A. Collins (F)
  • 13 C. Paterson (F)

Substitutes

  • 27 C. Trueman
  • 2 G. Jones
  • 6 L. Kelly
  • 7 D. Crowley
  • 9 S. Hogan
  • 21 M. Ekpiteta
  • 24 C. Lemonheigh-Evans

Bristol Rovers

Formation: 3-4-3

Starting XI

  • 13 B. Young (G)
  • 17 K. Balmer (D)
  • 4 T. Moore (D)
  • 26 R. Harbottle (D)
  • 2 J. Senior (M)
  • 15 R. De Havilland (M)
  • 6 C. Mola (M)
  • 3 J. Sparkes (M)
  • 7 S. Forde (F)
  • 29 F. Cavegn (F)
  • 19 E. Harrison (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 L. Southwood
  • 8 I. Hutchinson
  • 70 Y. Akhamrich
  • 11 L. Thomas
  • 22 K. Conteh
  • 33 M. Rijks
  • 39 C. Morton

Timeline

  1. Milton Keynes Dons
    27' Milton Keynes Dons Card · Yellow Card
    C. Paterson

    Off the ball foul

  2. Bristol Rovers
    28' Bristol Rovers Card · Yellow Card
    R. Harbottle

    Foul

  3. Milton Keynes Dons
    40' Milton Keynes Dons Card · Yellow Card
    L. Offord

    Foul

  4. Milton Keynes Dons
    45' Milton Keynes Dons Goal · Normal Goal
    C. Paterson · Assist: A. Collins
  5. Milton Keynes Dons
    46' Milton Keynes Dons subst · Substitution 1
    Off: J. Matete · On: L. Kelly
  6. Bristol Rovers
    63' Bristol Rovers subst · Substitution 1
    Off: E. Harrison · On: M. Rijks
  7. Bristol Rovers
    68' Bristol Rovers subst · Substitution 2
    Off: Joel Senior · On: Y. Akhamrich
  8. Milton Keynes Dons
    76' Milton Keynes Dons subst · Substitution 2
    Off: A. Nemane · On: Gethin Jones
  9. Bristol Rovers
    77' Bristol Rovers subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Clinton Mola · On: K. Conteh
  10. Milton Keynes Dons
    83' Milton Keynes Dons subst · Substitution 3
    Off: C. Paterson · On: S. Hogan
  11. Milton Keynes Dons
    84' Milton Keynes Dons subst · Substitution 4
    Off: B. Wiles · On: C. Lemonheigh-Evans
  12. Bristol Rovers
    89' Bristol Rovers Card · Yellow Card
    K. Conteh

    Foul

  13. Milton Keynes Dons
    90'+4 Milton Keynes Dons subst · Substitution 5
    Off: A. Collins · On: M. Ekpiteta
  14. Bristol Rovers
    90' Bristol Rovers Card · Yellow Card
    Jack Sparkes

    Argument

Match Stats

Stat Milton Keynes Dons Bristol Rovers
Fouls 10 18
Pass Accuracy 67% 61%
Offsides 3 3
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 12 13
Corners 4 3
Total Passes 300 261
Yellow Cards 3 3
Blocked Shots 3 6
Shots on Target 3 3
xG 2.11 0.97
Shots off Target 6 4
Possession 54% 46%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 201 159
Shots Inside Box 7 8
Saves 3 2
Shots Outside Box 5 5

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Charlie Paterson's goal just before halftime was crucial, giving Milton Keynes Dons a vital lead they would not relinquish.
  • ▸ The yellow card to Bristol Rovers' K. Conteh in the second half disrupted their momentum and helped maintain MK Dons' defensive solidity.