Steve Davis says the loss of Uche leaves the door open for others to grab their chance

Steve Davis says he will give time for the partnership between Nicky Ajose and Lauri Dalle Valle to shine after they were paired for the first time against the MK Dons. It proved a tough afternoon for the Railwaymen as they were on the receiving end of a 5-0 defeat at the Alexandra Stadium.

Genuine chances were few and far between for the Alex strike partner but Ajose did conjure up a late opportunity for himself that was pushed away by the MK Dons goalkeeper David Martin.

After the home defeat, Steve told the club’s official web-site: “After losing Uche (Ikpeazu) to Doncaster at the beginning of the week, it gave us the opportunity to pair Nicky and Lauri for the first time.

“It was Lauri’s first start and although he worked hard, as he always does, he is a little off the pace. He has struggled with his hamstring over the last few weeks and was feeling it a bit afterwards, so it was an obvious switch to make with Brad (Inman).

“We will give our players an opportunity to stake their claim. We have options with Lauri, Brad, young George Cooper and more of a big man with Marcus Haber.

“We may look to bring in another bigger one to replace Uche but the lads here will have an opportunity to show their quality.”