MK DONS were proud winners of the Johnstone s Paint Trophy back in 2008, after a 2-0 triumph over Grimsby Town, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.They failed to defend their trophy last season though, falling at the first round stage with a 1-0 home defeat to Bourne

MK DONS were proud winners of the Johnstone's Paint Trophy back in 2008, after a 2-0 triumph over Grimsby Town, writes MIKE SIMMONDS.

They failed to defend their trophy last season though, falling at the first round stage with a 1-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, so will be looking to put that right this time round.

The Dons made a surprise managerial coup in the summer, when Roberto Di Matteo opted to join West Brom, as former boss Paul Ince, who had been sacked by Blackburn, took charge once more.

He has enjoyed a decent start too, winning the last three league games to overcome a 4-1 thrashing by Swindon in the League Cup, to sit third in the table.

There has been a hefty turnaround of players at Stadium MK this season, with the likes of Jabo Ibehre, Ritchie Partridge, Michael Bridges and Jermaine Easter joining, while Miguel Lera, Mark Wright and Alan Navarro have all moved on.

Easter has hit the ground running after a period of uncertainty in his career, which saw him join Plymouth and then sent on loan to a number of clubs, as the Welsh international netted both goals in the 2-1 win at Exeter on the weekend.

TEAM NEWS

Daggers: John Still usually changes his side around for the JPT, so expect the likes of Graeme Montgomery, Abu Ogogo and possibly Anwar Uddin to be involved tonight.

Lincoln: Both Danny Swailes and Peter Leven could return to the squad for tonight's clash, but Aaron Wilbraham, Jude Stirling, Darren Powell and Sean O'Hanlon are out.

WE'VE MET BEFORE

Daggers are yet to win, or even score for that matter against MK Dons, after losing both league encounters two seasons ago.

Stadium:mk was not a happy hunting ground last time out, as the Dons ran out easy 4-0 winners, after three goals in the opening 37 minutes.

It was much closer at Victoria Road, but Drissa Diallo's first half goal saw the visitors to victory.

ONE TO WATCH

Jason Puncheon - signed on loan again from Plymouth and if he plays, is the kind of midfielder who terrorises defences, with a stunning shot on him.

FROM THE DUGOUT

"We'll want to get a decent side out against Dagenham & Redbridge because they are a good side that have started the season very well in League Two," MK Dons manager Paul Ince.

"It's a competition I've got fond memories of because winning the JPT at Wembley was what really put the club and the city on the map.

"Taking 30,000 people down to Wembley made it a day Milton Keynes will never forget and winning the trophy was something you can never take away from the players that were involved.

PREDICTION

An early end to Daggers run in the JPT - with MK Dons coming out on top 3-0.

Can Daggers emerge victorious against MK Dons? Email: mike.simmonds@archant.co.uk

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