MK DONS U18 1 COLCHESTER UTD U18 2

Academy Director Mike Dove says his first-year apprentices will have to quickly up their work-rate, after Colchester came from behind late-on to beat the Dons Under-18s on Saturday.

Mike's young side went into the final 15 minutes with a 1-0 lead at Woughton on the Green thanks to a first-half goal from impressive trialist Aaron King.

But a well-drilled U's side fought back in the closing stages to level in the 76th minute, before Dons 'keeper Daniel Glass was beaten by a far post header in the final minute of normal time.

Dons would have hoped for a chance to level matters, the game having been stopped for several minutes during the second half following an injury to Charlie Collins, but no time was added on by the officials, leaving Mike to reflect on a frustrating defeat.

"We had to make changes with George (Baldock) and Aaron and that made a massive difference in the second half. Work rate and energy levels in there was excellent from the second years, but George is just coming back from an abdominal strain and Aaron has a hip flexor problem so, much as we didn't want to take them off, we have to do what's right for them.

Charlie Collins is outnumbered in the U's defence.

"I put the younger ones in to replace them and, to be honest, their work rate and desire didn't match what we saw in the first half. They know they've got to work harder, we realise they're a year younger, but there's no excuse for a lack of desire.

"In games like that when the opposition become a bit more direct and aggressive, you've got to match it and get back into the game. We looked a different team second half and I feel sorry for the boys that worked so hard to establish a lead in the first half."

The return to action of Baldock, younger brother of first team striker Sam, and the promising performance of King were two big positives to have come out of Saturday's game, as the young Dons prepare for their Premier Academy League opener against Bolton on 21st August.

King arrived on trial with the Club this summer after being released by Liverpool at the end of the first year of his apprenticeship, and looks a genuine prospect in midfield.

Fued Ahmed competes for the ball in attack.

Mike said: "Aaron was captain at Rushden's youth team as a 16-year-old and caught the eye of Liverpool. He went there as a first year and unfortunately had an injury which meant it wasn't going to happen for him.

"He's a local boy so we've had a look at him and helped him with his rehab, he's working through his injury and we're trying to get him through a few games.

"I've spoken with him, given him some time to settle into the group and I was really pleased with him in the first half today. We'll see him against Northampton again on Friday and have a chat after that, but today was a real positive for him."

Dons (4-3-3): Glass; Williams, Ivey-Ward, Milton (c), Walster; King (Plowright 46), Baldock (S. Powell 40), McGovern; Collins (Gyasi 75), Coronado, A. Ahmed (F. Ahmed 80).

Mike's side host Northampton Town in their latest pre-season friendly on Friday at Woughton on the Green. Kick-off against the Cobblers is at 11am.