MK Dons Close Gap on Stevenage – 2026 Promotion Battle

MK Dons sit just two points behind league leaders Stevenage after a 2‑1 win over Northampton Town, positioning them within striking distance of the 2025‑26 League Two title. With twelve games remaining, the Dons’ strong defensive record and prolific striker Jordan Wright make a late‑season surge possible, while the promotion race tightens for all top contenders.

League Two Standings Snapshot

Top five clubs after 34 matches:

  • Stevenage – 68 points
  • MK Dons – 66 points
  • Accrington – 64 points
  • Tranmere – 63 points
  • Gillingham – 59 points

Bottom three clubs after 34 matches:

  • Oldham – 35 points
  • Sutton United – 33 points
  • Southend – 28 points

Recent Form Highlights

MK Dons have won five of their last six league games, conceding less than one goal per match (0.8 gpm) while scoring 1.9 gpm. Forward Jordan Wright leads the club with 16 league goals, ranking third in the division’s scoring chart.

Accrington’s recent 0‑1 loss dropped them to 64 points, widening the gap to the automatic promotion spots. Tranmere’s 3‑2 victory keeps them firmly in the top four.

Implications for the Rest of the Campaign

Promotion Hopefuls

  • Stevenage must avoid a slip to stay atop the table; a single defeat could hand MK Dons the lead.
  • MK Dons need two wins in the next four matches to mount a serious title challenge, relying on defensive solidity in upcoming away games.
  • Accrington and Tranmere are locked in a two‑way battle; their head‑to‑head clash on 22 January could decide who finishes third and who moves into the play‑offs.

Mid‑Table Contenders

  • Gillingham, Port Vale, and Bradford City sit within five points of the play‑off zone, making their next fixtures crucial for a late‑season push.

Relegation Fight

  • Southend, Sutton United, and Oldham occupy the bottom three; with only eight games left, each point is vital.

Key Fixtures Ahead

  • MK Dons vs. Accrington – 20 January (potential six‑pointer for the top two)
  • Stevenage vs. Tranmere – 21 January (test of Stevenage’s composure)
  • Gillingham vs. Oldham – 22 January (relegation‑avoidance duel)

Conclusion

The 2025‑26 League Two season remains fiercely competitive, with the promotion race decided by a razor‑thin margin. MK Dons’ recent form and defensive resilience give them a realistic chance to overtake Stevenage, while the battle for play‑off spots and the fight to avoid relegation promise further drama in the weeks to come.