NEWCASTLE UNITED U18 2 MK DONS U18 2

A productive weekend for the MK Dons Under-18s, but Academy Director Mike Dove couldn't hide a touch of disappointment that they couldn't hold on for a win at Newcastle United on Saturday.

Making the long trip for their early-season long distance fixture, the visit to the North East offered Mike the chance to discover much about his current crop of young hopefuls.

A gruelling trip, an overnight stay and a game against Premier League opposition was always likely to provide a learning experience. But three points from their second Premier Academy League fixture would have been the icing on the cake.

They looked in great shape to achieve that at half-time - Igor Coronado getting them off to a 15th-minute flyer when a jump to defy the Brazilian's modest stature allowed him to head home Ryan Plowright's left-wing cross.

And when Charlie Collins angled a fine drive into the bottom corner after an excellent exchange with Fuad Ahmed, the young Dons were totally in the driving seat.

But after conceding a goal from a set-piece almost immediately after half-time, the visitors lost their composure and control of the game. Mike was prompted to substitute full-back George Williams by the referee after a series of strong challenges and, just a minute later, their lead was wiped out.

"We took a lot from the weekend," Mike said. "We learned a lot about the players and how they behave in a slightly different environment, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed by the result.

"We got ourselves into a great position at half-time, albeit with Newcastle having plenty of the game, and I just asked the players how much they wanted to win the game. It had been a great trip, but how much did they want to cap that by going home with a win?

"We conceded almost straight from the whistle and from there we lost our way a bit. Once they equalised it became a good contest with both sides trying to win it, but we hadn't made the most of a winning position.

"We certainly need to address our second-half performances because there is clearly a problem there, but all in all it was a productive weekend.

"The boys were a credit to themselves and the Club both on the journey up there and during the overnight stay. It's an experience they will have taken a lot from both on and off the pitch."

Dons (4-2-1-3): Glass; Williams (Ivey-Ward 79), Flanagan, Milton (c), Walster; King, McGovern; Coronado; F.Ahmed (Gyasi 86), Collins, Plowright (A.Ahmed 69).

Subs not used: Bragg, S.Powell.