Eli Campbell delivered a composed 90-minute debut for Milton Keynes Dons in their goalless draw at AFC Wimbledon. The 22-year-old centre-back, on loan from Everton, helped secure a valuable clean sheet for a side that has drawn four of its last five matches.
Paul Warne was impressed with the new defender's calmness under pressure. "It’s the eagerness of youth isn’t it!" the head coach said. "If you’re calm in these sorts of games, it shows what he can do for us going forwards." Campbell had trained with his new teammates for three days before being thrust into the starting lineup at Plough Lane on Thursday night.
He slotted into a back line alongside Curtis Nelson and Charlie Goode, providing the defensive stability that earned the Dons a point. The result leaves the club 19th in League One, having taken six points from their opening seven fixtures. Their next challenge is a home game against 22nd-placed Bromley on 26 September, a match you can preview on our fixtures page.
Wing-back Cohen Bramall, who plays ahead of Campbell on the left side, also praised the newcomer's seamless introduction. "For Eli to come in for his first game, fair play to him," Bramall said. Campbell's ability to cover the left wing-back position adds useful depth to Warne's defensive options as the season progresses.
The draw with Wimbledon continued a run of tight games for Milton Keynes Dons, who have scored eight and conceded ten goals so far this campaign. Fans can track the team's defensive record and league position in our standings section. Campbell's arrival on transfer deadline day has provided a timely boost to a squad looking to turn draws into wins.
More detail at Milton Keynes Citizen
