Town recorded their third 0-0 draw in four matches as the first game under their new ownership ended in a stalemate with the MK Dons at Portman Road. Sub Freddie Sears went closest for the Blues in the second half when he looped an effort wide with visiting keeper Andrew Fisher out of his goal.

Flynn Downes returned to the Blues' line-up with Armando Dobra and Aaron Drinan also coming into the team as manager Paul Cook switched what appeared to be Plan D as he looked to get Town’s play-off push back on track.

Downes, who had been out of action for almost a month with a hamstring injury, came into central midfield alongside Teddy Bishop with Andre Dozzell in a narrow role to his left and Gwion Edwards on the right. Dobra played off Drinan up front with the duo both making their first starts of Cook’s time as boss.

At the back, Luke Woolfenden moved out to right-back with skipper Luke Chambers and Toto Nsiala the centre-halves and Stephen Ward at left-back.

Alan Judge and Troy Parrott dropped to the bench having been in the side which drew 0-0 at Rochdale last week with Tristan Nydam in the matchday 18 for the first time since returning from the serious ankle injury he suffered in July 2019.

James Norwood remained absent having suffered a thigh injury last weekend and Kane Vincent-Young was also not in the 18 following his hamstring injury, while Kayden Jackson was also missing, presumably having picked up a knock.

For the Dons, defender Warren O’Hora, midfielder Louis Thompson and veteran striker Cameron Jerome missed out due to injury with long-serving skipper Dean Lewington, Scott Fraser and Will Grigg, who played for Town boss Cook at Wigan and who has been linked with the Blues, returning to the XI. The Dons included former Blues academy striker Charlie Brown on the bench.

Following a two-minute silence in tribute to His Royal Highness The Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, who died yesterday aged 99, the first action of the Blues’ new era saw Dobra pick up a yellow card within the first minute for an over the top challenge on Lewington which the Dons backline felt was a more serious offence warranting more serious censure, and they might have had a case.

Three minutes later the Albanian U21 international hit the first shot of the game towards an empty net from midway inside his half but missed the target, Dons keeper Fisher having kicked poorly as Drinan put him under pressure as loudly instructed by manager Cook from the sidelines.

Visiting keeper Fisher was having a shaky start and on 10 he made heavy weather of dealing with a corner from the right but the ball didn’t fall for a Town player and was cleared.

The Blues, with new chairman Mike O'Leary watching from the stand, had started well with the Dons unable to get on the ball, however, they gradually began to get their passing going and threatened for the first time in the 20th minute when Nsiala turned Daniel Harvie’s cross wide. From the corner from the left, Zak Jules shot straight at Tomas Holy having slipped over.

On 22, Ward crossed low from the left and Edwards went to ground as he battled to get to the ball past two defenders but referee Tom Nield wasn’t interested in his appeals for a penalty.

MK continued to see most of the ball but without threatening, while referee Nield’s over-fussy approach was breaking up the game and frustrating the Town team, who had been on the wrong end of most of his more pernickety decisions.

The visitors weren’t too far away from going in front in the 42nd minute when Scott Fraser shot into the side-netting after a Grigg effort had been blocked by Nsiala.

A minute later, MK claimed the ball had struck Chambers’s arm as Fraser tried to find a way through the Town backline but referee Nield was unconvinced.

The Blues went within a whisker of taking the lead in the 44th minute when Downes cut out a loose Dons pass on halfway and sent Edwards away on the right. The Welshman measured a low cross and Dobra slid in but sent the ball just the wrong side of Fisher’s left post.

That was the last action of an often cagey half in which the Blues had started on top before the Dons got their passing going and saw most of the ball.

Both sides had had long spells of possession but were only able to find a way through the opposition’s backline with the two late chances at each end and the period came to a close with neither team having hit a shot on target.

Fraser will be frustrated that he failed to hit the target with his shot, while Dobra will feel similarly regarding his effort. Overall, the scoreline was probably a fair reflection at the break.

Two minutes after the restart, the Blues had Holy to thank for keeping the scores level. After Grigg had been fouled on just outside the area by Nsiala, former Norwich midfielder Andrew Surman curled a low shot which the big Czech keeper did superbly to get across and down to to push past the post.

The Blues saw a lot of the ball in the early stages of the half and won a couple of corners which came to nothing.

Just before the hour mark, Dobra did well to ride a tackle as he broke away following Dons attack and fed Drinan to his left. The Irishman’s effort at goal was deflected behind by Harry Darling and the corner was cleared before being returned down the left by Ward to Dozzell, whose low cross was claimed by Fisher ahead of Drinan.

At the other end, a ball in from the left reached Grigg with his back to goal. The on-loan Sunderland man was unable to get in an effort himself but he played back to Matt O’Riley, who hit a strike which was straight at Holy.

In the 61st minute the Dons swapped Matthew Sorinola for Harvie, while the Blues made a triple change bringing on Nydam for his first senior competitive game in two years to the day, having last featured as a in the 2-0 defeat at Brentford, his only appearance under Paul Lambert, Judge and Sears for Dozzell, Bishop and Dobra.

Moments after the changes, Blues keeper Holy was forced into a double stop from O’Riley. A deep ball from the left had reached the midfielder on the right of the box and Holy first saved his initial shot and then held onto his rebound.

On 70 Parrott replaced Edwards, who had been undergoing treatment on the pitch a few minutes earlier for a knock. Parrott went to the most advanced point of a diamond midfield ahead of Downes with Nydam to his left and Judge to his right.

Within seconds of the change, Downes played a clever ball through into the area for Sears, who cut on to his right foot before hitting a shot which fizzed just past Fisher’s left post. On 71 Grigg and Josh McEachran were replaced by ex-Blues youngster Brown and David Kasumu.

Town should have gone in front in the 78th minute when Woolfenden’s long ball went over Jules and sent Sears away on the right with Fisher well out of his ground. The former West Ham man looped towards goal but sent the ball the wrong side of the post. It was Town’s best chance of the afternoon and one Sears will feel he should have taken.

Downes was booked for a foul on Fraser as the match moved into its final 10 minutes with one mistake or moment of quality appearing enough to win it for either team.

In the 84th minute Judge smashed an otherwise goal-bound shot into what looked to be a Town player from just outside the area after a corner had been cleared.

The Dons then began to put the Blues under pressure with the Town backline making a number of important blocks in and around their area. On 88 Oli Hawkins took over from Drinan.

In four minutes of injury time Ward nodded behind at the far post with O’Riley arriving behind him as Sorinola’s ball came in from the left and soon after referee Nield brought the Blues’ third 0-0 draw in four to an end.

Town had the better of the second half’s few chances with Sears going close with his shot and then having the best opportunity of the game when he looped wide with Fisher out of his ground.

The Blues were more threatening in the second half but have now gone 259 minutes without a goal and worse, 218 minutes, the best of part of three games, without managing a single shot on target.

As at Spotland last week, neither side really showed enough going forward to win it with both defences largely resolute.

Town remain eighth in the League One table, still three points off the play-offs ahead of Tuesday visit to 20th-placed AFC Wimbledon, who won 5-1 at Accrington today.

Town: Holy, Woolfenden, Nsiala, Chambers (c), Edwards (Parrott 70), Dozzell (Nydam 62), Bishop (Judge 62), Downes, Ward, Dobra (Sears 62), Drinan (Hawkins 87). Unused: Cornell, McGuinness.

MK Dons: Fisher, Lewington (c), Jules, McEachran (Kasumu 71), Darling, Grigg (Brown 71), Fraser, Laird, Surman, O'Riley, Harvie (Sorinola 61). Unused: Nicholls, Sorensen, Mason, Houghton. Referee: Tom Nield (West Yorkshire).

Photo: Matchday Images

Karlosfandangal added 17:43 - Apr 10 Not sure why everyone is getting so bent out of shape These players have got us relighted and 2 mid table finishes in league 1 Cook know what to do but that won't happen till the end of the season Next year will be different with new players These players know they won't be here next year so won't try
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Kirbmeister added 17:45 - Apr 10 There's at least 3 idiots on here moaning about Cook already. He inherited these players. They aren't good enough. He knows that but there's nothing he can do at the moment is there? We ain't suddenly going to start scoring goals. He's stuck with this shower for now. Wait till the end of the season and it'll start from there.
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brassy added 17:45 - Apr 10 many of them know they wont be here next season and couldnt give toss.
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brassy added 17:46 - Apr 10 many of them know they wont be here next season and couldnt give toss.
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Razor added 17:46 - Apr 10 How big does that pathetic excuse for a footballer Sears want the goal-----we are handed our chance and wot does he do-----he should have gone months ago, useless. And why was Hawkins not brought on until the last minute (why did he not start the game?) and why did Sears even get on the pitch-----not convinced on Cook by any means. Apparantly the cheeky chappy did not show on local radio either befpre or after the game so what is going on-----Edddie Howe on way?----PLEASE!!!!

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coldwarkid01 added 17:47 - Apr 10 How did the old North Stand song go? “Score in a brothel, couldn't et al” In all my years following the Town I never expected to replace the you with we!!!!!
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Wooly74 added 17:52 - Apr 10 It's sadly very clear the massive task that we have ahead of us, even with the US backing. Those players who simply have to go is very long, but I do honestly think that it is better to start again almost from nothing. To leave (unless still under contract of course) Huws Skuse Chambers Sears Edwards Jackson Hawkins Toto Judge Cornell To sell: Dozzell Serious chat with: Vincent-Young Norwood Make the above known very early as the season ends and then sit down with Cook and his team and discuss current Championship players that play for clubs with less support, infrastructure and history and go after the players that he thinks will not only get us up but keep us up. FIRST AND FOREMOST WE NEED PLAYERS WHO KNOW WHAT THE GOAL IS FOR PLEASE!

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Linkboy13 added 17:53 - Apr 10 Paul Cook's failure to attend the post match press conference sends out worrying vibes . Has he had enough already and getting ready to walk out. The players are not obviously playing for him and are a disgrace. Paul Lambert said the club is rotten to the core perhaps there is something in that and Cook is now starting to realise this. Then there is the situation with the new owners that Cook didn't seem to happy with and maybe they want their own man in all very worrying.

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surgery added 17:54 - Apr 10 So what about all the idiots on here who were saying it was all PL's fault, that he wasn't managing the best squad in the league properly, blah blah? How come they have all to a man turned into crap players since he left?
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RobITFC added 17:56 - Apr 10 Seriously this is not right, new manager, then new owners, very good chance to get in playoffs, but the players just cannot lift themselves or perform to either gain a contract here or put themselves in the shop window elsewhere ? Many cannot stay fit , we cannot even get a shot on target against Rochdale or MK Dons, this is both pathetic and embarrassing!
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RobsonWark added 17:57 - Apr 10 I'm lost for words. We seem to get worse and worse with each game we play.
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markytitfc added 17:58 - Apr 10 Surely, after a few games in charge, he must be able ro put together 11 players that are capable of at least a shot on target, surely?? Early days in PC's tenure, but, I'm having doubts as to wether he is the man or was his "success " down to his assistant? I'll put a quid on him being gone by November .
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therein61 added 17:58 - Apr 10 Don't know about the reactions to these clowns if fans were in the stadium(it would be tasty to say the least!) i reckon they are happy their usual watering holes are no go as disgruntled people who pay their more than comfortable wages would be a tad too close THESE SO CALLED PRO'S HAVE NO PRIDE OR DEFENCE WHATSOEVER.
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BobbyBell added 18:00 - Apr 10 I cannot believe the lack of self respect these players have. They seem happy to go through the motions and take the money just waiting to be moved on. The lack of respect for the club and fans is worse still.
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BeattiesBackPocket added 18:00 - Apr 10 Selling off 60 odd goals worth of players in waghorn, garner and then mcgoldrick and replacing them with lower league, unproven players who only manage about 10 goals in Jackson etc tends to get you further down the league! We have one decent striker in Norwood that's it! We've sold off any creativity or leaders over the last few years and replaced them with battlers who aren't even battling anymore this is what we're left with from evans era. There's no point getting on cooks back he's not gonna come out and say who he's letting go or that they're utter dross whilst there's a mathematical chance of us getting in the play offs. The new owners and cook have the biggest job anyone has ever had at the club! No doubt even by his own admission evans has ruined the clubs team and structure. As I say take my hat off for selling the club on and losing the debt but that's it we are here because of his lack of football business management End of!

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westernblue added 18:03 - Apr 10 As fans we have long experience of the mostly unimpressive performances of Lambert's teams. The manager is clearly crucial to a club's success. But surely we have to cut Paul Cook some slack. What can he do but try to get up to speed with what he has been bequeathed by the old regime. He has maintained, and perhaps improved, defence solidity. As for the disaster areas of creativity and striking nous, the earlier substitutions (i.e. with the greatest chance of having an influence) mostly emphasised the scale of the problem, as Sears and Judge were woeful. Trying to be optimistic, two thoughts. For a first game back, Downes was surprisingly sharp and effective. And Nydam's cameo performance really outshone the best that Dozzell seems able to offer. We do have some good players at the club, who can improve further. But they need reinforcements that bring in greater pace, physicality, and presence. That requires serious investment and serious thought about the type of players needed to make ITFC thrive once again. Here's hoping!

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Umros added 18:03 - Apr 10 I'll raise the 180 minute shots on target comments. Make that 215. You have to laugh.....it's not worth the cry!
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heathen66 added 18:07 - Apr 10 Three games ago we pile players forward and into the box and were rewarded twice in 10 mins, but then thought it was job done...and have not done it since...and not had another attempt on target We still have no one in the box when we get the ball out wide. The only quality was Edwards in the first half where he laid it on a plate for Dobra with a superb ball but he missed. Apart from that there was very little to cheer. Sears could not hit a barn door, and Drinan got goal side only to stop and com backwards. Time for a complete clear out. We are well financed on and off the pitch (apparently) plus we will make a HUGE wage saving from not renewing these 20+ lucrative contracts which can be re-invested in say 8 players.

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Drifter3012 added 18:09 - Apr 10 It seems clear a lot of this squad aren't going to get a new contract, so why does Cook persevere with them. I am at a loss with that. Edwards & Sears are prime examples. Why play them?
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Felstow1978 added 18:11 - Apr 10 We couldn't have looked any less lifeless this afternoon if we'd had Prince Philip playing up front
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bfpoblue added 18:12 - Apr 10 I think it is getting beyond a joke when in two games we have not had a shot on target. Considering it was one home game and an away game to the bottom team of this league, There is only one direction we are heading at the moment and that is downwards.
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inghamspur added 18:15 - Apr 10 Today was simply pants
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BettyBlue added 18:19 - Apr 10 How is this possible? We've got another Paul Lambert... Playoffs to play for and what do we get, no shots, rotation and no pattern of play... My granny could do better. How do you become a new manager and then drift for the rest of season achieving precisely nothing??? HOW???
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BettyBlue added 18:20 - Apr 10 Who do we try next? Mike Bassett??
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Lathers added 18:21 - Apr 10 2 wins from 10 games is pi55 poor. Yes the squad isn't very good, but neither are the teams we play against. Playing the immobile 36 year old Ward at left wing back for the past 2 games and putting our hopes of a goal in the hands of Drinan and Sears today doesn't do much for my confidence in him. He said his playing style would be clear from day 1 which it clearly hasn't been and I think he changed system 3 times today. He said he likes partnerships to develop but then makes loads of changes to the starting XI and then 5 changes during a game. No consistency, no real idea how to make us better and it shows. I'm not in the ‘be careful what you wish for camp, but guarantee Mick would have found a way of getting results out of this shower of a team. I think Cook needs to be careful. If the next 7 games go the same way are Gamechanger going to trust him with their money? Probably not.

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