Powell keen to maintain Valley fortress status against Dons (From News Shopper)

Powell keen to maintain Valley fortress status against Dons

9:26am Tuesday 14th February 2012 in Football By Paul Green

ADDICKS manager Chris Powell is determined Charlton’s unbeaten home record isn’t ended tonight by MK Dons.

The League One leaders needed a 93rd minute Dale Stephens equaliser to earn a point against Bury in their last Valley game a fortnight ago, a result which maintained an undefeated run in SE7 so far this season.

Tonight will be Charlton’s first game since the Shakers encounter after the big freeze led to postponements against Rochdale and Chesterfield and Powell acknowledges it will be tough test for his side.

He said: “We played them earlier on in the season (a 1-1 draw) and they played very well in the first half.

“I felt we came into our own in the second period and deservedly got our equaliser.

“Again it will be a good game, I’ve watched them personally recently against Stevenage and they do try and play.

“That is their way and it is up to us to make sure we are not caught out by that.

“I feel we will be ready for it, we will be ready to carry on our home form, keep it going with no losses and make sure a promotion rival doesn’t catch up with us.”

MK Dons are currently fifth in the table, 15 points behind the Addicks, and Powell is backing Karl Robinson’s side to make the play-offs at least for the second consecutive season.

“I would think so,” the Valley chief said.

“There is going to be a lot of changes and you’ve already seen one or two other teams come in on a bit of a run like Carlisle and Bournemouth.

“MK Dons have got the experience of going through it last year under Karl and they’ve got a good chance again this year.”

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