Debutant striker Leon Knight made all the difference tonight as the little striker sends the Swans back to the top of the league.
He scored a hatrick in less than 30 minutes as Swansea ran riot over the bottom club in the first half.
As expected, Akinfenwa played alongside Knight and Tommy Williams also made his debut as he replaced McLeod on the left wing. Izzy remained sidelined with injury so Austin was also given a starting place.
It took just 5 minutes for the Swans to go ahead as Robinson’s cross wasn’t dealt with and Akinfenwa flicked on to Knight who unleashed a superb volley into the right corner.
Despite many critical views from Gillingham fans, Williams looked impressive on the left wing and attacked well. He battled well and sent some good crosses into the box.
After our poor 0-0 draw with Port Vale, Leon Knight transformed the side and he looks like the bargain of the year at just £125,000!
7 minutes after going ahead, we doubled the lead. Knight again used his pace to run onto a through ball from Akinfenwa and he slotted it through the legs of keeper Matt Baker.
The visitors rarely troubled Gueret in goal and our defence but it was a totally different story in the second half.
Quarter of an hour later and Knight sealed his hatrick with a close range header ? having been unmarked to score from Williams’ cross.
Swansea looked as if they?d walk this but I had a feeling at half time that we?d see a goalless second half.
MK Dons looked as if they had a good talking too at the break and made a vast improvement. They had the majority of the possession as they pushed to get back into the game.
It was a hard task for any team and poor finishing let them down at times. Izale McLeod, who we were linked with last year didn?t look like anything special but he got a consolation goal for the Dons when they were awarded a penalty 9 minutes from time.
Gueret dived well to his right to save yet another penalty for the Swans but the referee asked for it to be retaken. I?m not sure why but Gueret might have come off his line too soon. The second time, the penalty was placed in the same corner, sending the French keeper the wrong way.
In all fairness, MK Dons deserved a goal after a hard-working second half, they never gave up a tough task to get back into the game.
Overall, Leon Knight could be Swansea?s new star and when Trundle returns soon, they?ll form a lethal partnership. He?s turned things around for us after ending a 5-games winless run. With Steven Watt and Tommy Williams also joining the Swans recently, we now have a good strong squad to maintain an automatic place for the remainder of the season.
View 14 photos of the game here
Player Ratings
Willy Gueret 7/10
Very good performance from Gueret. Unlucky not to save another penalty and coped with everything that came his way.
Sam Ricketts 6/10
Another quiet game from Sam but an improved performance.
Garry Monk 7/10
Solid game and coped well with McLeod.
Austin 7/10
Solid at the back and kept things tight especially in the first half.
Alan Tate 7/10
Another very good performance at right back from Tate, defending and attacking well.
Andy Robinson 7/10
Worked hard in midfield but distribution was poor at times.
Roberto Martinez 7/10
Didn?t notice Martinez that often during the game but he worked hard in the centre.
Tom Williams 8/10
Excellent debut from the winger. He has a great left foot and worked tirelessly throughout the 90 minutes.
Leon Britton 8/10
Didn?t offer much width on the right in the first half but he still had a good game and had a great chance to score when he was one on one with the keeper.
Leon Knight 10/10
Couldn?t fault him. Very quick, has a great touch and scored 3 goals.
Adebayo Akinfenwa 7/10
A much-improved performance. Supported Knight well and brought the ball down well for his strike partner.
Manager Rating
8/10 ? Jackett has signed two great players in Knight and Williams and it was great to end our recent poor run. It was a shame to see a totally different performance in the second half though as we just looked happy to defend our lead.
