Managerless-Cobblers could provide a different threat to Dons

Dons head into their fourth meeting with Northampton Town this season expecting a different challenge with a new man in the Cobblers dugout.

Following the sacking of Keith Curle last week, academy boss Jon Brady has taken charge of two games, and after losing to bottom club Burton 2-0 at home on Saturday, Northampton picked up a point at Portman Road in a fiery encounter with Ipswich Town.

The sides crossed paths in the Papa John's Trophy a little over a month ago at the PTS Academy Stadium, and it saw Dons pick up their second win in three meetings as they triumphed 2-0 in a comfortable outing.

However, Russell Martin feels Northampton, who sit in the relegation zone, could offer a different threat when they arrive at Stadium MK on Saturday.

"Things have changed and the players have reacted really well," he said. "They had a great result (against Ipswich) and probably unlucky not to have all three points.

"It’ll be a really tough game, they’ve made a few changes to what they are doing and the players look like they’ve a lot of energy and freshness. That can happen you get players with a new lease of life as they look to impress.

"It’s going to be a tough game as it always is with Northampton, we have to perform to the levels we have done recently. I have no doubts it’s going to be a tough game and they’ll come here full of energy."

Defender Harry Darlin added: "We prepare in the same way. We know it's a derby and how much it means to the fans. We know how much it means.

"We want to win every game, and we'll see where we end up."