Lockdown helped Cargill get his head back in the game

His 88th-minute goal meant not only a point on the board for MK Dons on Saturday, but also a return to form for Baily Cargill.

The 25-year-old suffered a turmutuous 2019/20 campaign. Struggling for form since his injury at the end of the promotion winning League Two season, Cargill made just 27 appearances last time out and only one of those came in 2020.

Not ruled out through injury, Cargill's omission almost dropped off the radar - out of sight, out of mind. But his own determination has seen him come back into the fold, improving his physical and mental fitness, rewarded with a return to first team action.

"Last season was really disappointing for me," said Cargill after the 1-1 draw with Doncaster. "I wasn't in the best shape physically or mentally. Over lockdown I've really worked hard on myself, not just fitness but on the mental side too.

"I don't think I'd have scored that goal last season because I wouldn't have been fit enough. I went away, I lost a lot of weight and I feel as fit as ever. Hopefully I can continue to do well."

His goal against Doncaster was one his was side deserved, and one which was a long time coming for Cargill. Deft one-touch football between himself, David Kasumu and Carlton Morris allowed the defender to coolly slot past Joe Bursik in the Doncaster net with two minutes to go for his first goal for the club since signing two years ago, and made amends for the 'sitter' he missed against Northampton in the week.

He said: "To be honest, I got a little nick on my ankle as I went into the box and I thought about going down but I stayed on my feet and scored.

"The build-up was really good. These are things we work on though, those things don't just happen. It was a perfect goal for me, my first for Dons and I missed a sitter on Tuesday so I've made up for it!

"I also had a header in stoppage time which I probably should have done better with. I think if I was under a bit more pressure I wouldn't have thought about it so much. With the way we're playing this season, I'll find myself in goal-scoring opportunities more often.

"I had three good chances today, and three good ones on Tuesday as well so hopefully I'll pop up with a few more goals."