Mike Dove said he was happy with his side's condition after MK Dons Under 18s cruised to a 5-1 win at Ampthill on Tuesday night.

Two goals a-piece for Stephane Koffi and new boy Mustapha Carayol plus a cracking strike from David King saw the young Dons to victory, though the victory was tainted somewhat by an injury to defender Ollie Thorne late on.

Thorne landed heavily and twisted his knee with five minutes to go and Dove said the following 48 hours would reveal the extent of the injury.

He said: "It was a real shame the game ended in that way but we will let the swelling go down and see the extent of the damage. Hopefully it won't be too serious. He was taken to hospital in an ambulance but Ollie's a strong lad.

"Overall I was pleased with the boys. We needed to up the tempo in the second half and they really responded to the chat we had at half time. We showed greater urgency to win the ball back in the second half, had some good periods of possession and the fitness was good for this time of year.

"We were slightly disappointed to concede a goal but for the first run out before the season it was good."

Dons took the lead 16 minutes in when Liam Kelly's cross from the left was turned in at the far post by Koffi, who timed his arrival perfectly from the opposite flank.

Ampthill drew level just before the break when they were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the box and a deflected strike found its way into Laurie Walker's net.

Dove got the message through to the team at the break as they came out flying for the second half and completely took control. Substitute Carayol got the ball rolling when he raided in off the left flank and cracked in a shot to make it 2-1.

Koffi fired home the third after turning sharply away from his man before King made it four with a beauty. Arriving on a ball dropping 25 yards from goal, King hit a low, first-time shot into the bottom corner.

The impressive Carayol scored a carbon-copy of his first effort to make it five towards the end.

Dove was also pleased to see the first team management staff in attendance, manager Paul Ince, assistant Ray Mathias and fitness coach Duncan Russell all making the trip.

Dove added: "That was a huge boost for the boys to see the management there watching them. It was also good to see the Chairman and Director John Cove there and the turn out from Dons fans was excellent. Playing in front of supporters is always a bonus for the players.

"I must also say thank you to Ampthill, who were excellent hosts and played some excellent football of their own at times.

"They have some talented players and will do well in their division next season."

Dons: Walker, Mitchell-Coop, Thorne (Flanagan 85), Page (c), Collins, Kelly (Nelson 45), Williams, Shuter (King 45), Koffi, Baldock (Carayol 45), Powell (Delderfield 45).
Subs not used Fox