Lee Jelley at Woughton on the Green.

MK Dons Under 18s suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of a physically-imposing Crystal Palace side on Saturday, as early missed chances came back to haunt the home side.

The game started with a flurry of openings for either side with Palace looking to feed their lively Michael Abnett on the right wing as much as possible.

The Eagles winger provided a good test for young Dons defender Adam Chicksen, but the speedy left-back did a good job marking him.

Just five minutes into the match, some wonderful work down the right-hand side from Andre Da Costa resulted in a glorious opening for Hayden Carter at the back post, but the Dons winger was unable to convert it into the opening goal.

The deadlock was broken after 25 minutes when a floated corner from Palace's Abnett was met by captain Aaron Dalhouse, who headed the ball powerfully into the bottom left corner.

Daniel Powell takes on the Palace defence.

The goal was harsh on the young Dons as up to this point that had been the better side.

The second half did not bring better luck though however and after just five minutes, a neat one-two between the Palace midfielders resulted in the unfortunately placed Chicksen bringing down Abnett.

In fairness, there was not much Chicksen could have done about the collision, and he appeared to be trying to get out of Abnett's way, but a penalty was awarded nonetheless and Nathanial Pinney converted.

The game settled down after the second goal and Palace began to stroke the ball around and keep possession well, but to the Dons credit they pulled themselves back into contention and worried the visitors into changing their shape.

With no more than a minute left on the clock a short corner from Chicksen was taken on by Martel Powell who lashed the ball into the top corner leaving the goalkeeper with no chance.

Martel Powell was on target late-on for the Dons.

The Dons can come away from the game knowing that they made a great account of themselves against extremely difficult opposition and on another day under the same circumstances the result could have been completely different.

Dons (4-1-4-1): Fox, King (c), Flanagan, Milton, Chicksen; M. Powell; Costa (Farden 76), Dowling (Collins 75), D. Powell, Carter (Ajombar 86); Delderfield.

Subs not used: Harrison, Coranado.