Dons Gone For A Burton

There may have been no return for Francis Jeffers, but experienced Owls striker Deon Burton fired in a brace as Wednesday continued their impressive pre-season at Stadium MK.

Wingmen Etienne Esajas and Jermaine Johnson also found the back of the net as a strong Wednesday side put League One new boys MK Dons to the sword with a 4-1 victory on Tuesday night.

Francis Jeffers was expected to make his long awaited return from injury, but the former Arsenal and Everton man wasn't included in the squad, but could be ready for the weekend clash at Bury.

But the Owls had to come from behind to bag their win, with the hosts getting off to a fine start and finding the back of the net through Florian Sturm.

Dons' new boss Roberto Di Matteo may still be learning about life as a manager in England and he was taught a lesson, albeit in a friendly clash, as Esajas quickly levelled the scored on 12 minutes.

The Dutch wingman didn't feature as much as he may have liked in the blue and white last season, but could prove to be a gem for the Owls this coming season.

Akpo Sodje also continued his return from injury, and his pairing with Burton will give Laws plenty of food for thought as the former Port Vale man put Burton in for his first of the night to give the Owls the lead.

And it was the same duo who made it 3-1, Sodje opting to pass to Burton rather than shoot himself, while substitute Jermaine Johnson went on a trademark run and finished well to put the result beyond doubt.

The performance will have given the Owls boss plenty of food for thought, while the appearances of Liam McMenamin and Rocky Lekaj may also show that Laws could well be looking towards youth this term.

Owls: Grant, Beevers, Wood (c), Spurr, Hinds, Watson, O'Connor, McAllister, Esajas, Burton, Sodje
Subs: Tudgay, Boden, Gilbert, Lekaj, McMenamin, O'Donnell, Clarke, Johnson

Mk Dons: Abbey, Stirling, Regan, Lewington, O'Hanlon, Navarro, Leven, Sturm, Johnson, Baldock, Wilbraham
Subs: Howell, Fox, King, Chicksen, Dobson, Sari, Wright

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