Blackburn youngster Aaron Doran scored on his MK Dons debut as Paul Ince's men eased past Southend United in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.

The 18-year-old wide-man, who agreed a one-month loan from Ewood Park on Monday, took just 18 minutes to open his Dons account before Mark Carrington made it two before half-time.

Southend then had goalkeeper Steve Mildenhall to thank for preventing it turning into rout in the second half - the Shrimpers stopper making save after save to deny a rampant Dons side that could have reached round three with a cricket score.

But Ince will more-than-likely be content with his team's progression in the competition and, arguably of greater significance, negotiating the tie without over-exerting his prized assets.

Despite Ince's forward options being depleted by Jason Puncheon's suspension and injuries to Luke Chadwick and Lewis Gobern, this was an impressive attacking display from a Dons side that pulsed with offensive purpose.

Aaron Doran is congratulated by Jermaine Easter.

Jemal Johnson drifted from flank to flank, threatening both with his pace in behind and with his trademark long-range shooting power, while Aaron Wilbraham and Jermaine Easter's partnership up front continued to blossom.

It was Johnson, outstanding throughout, that typically fashioned the first chance - producing a shot from a difficult angle that had Mildenhall stretching after just six minutes.

And having dominated the opening period, it was no surprise when Doran gave them the lead.

It had been a fairly quiet arrival at stadiummk for the Blackburn youngster, slotting into a Dons side that was firmly on the front foot, but when Wilbraham's through-ball left him clean through on Mildenhall, the finish was more akin to that of a seasoned veteran.

Mark Carrington fires the Dons two in front.

Southend had barely breached Dons territory in the opening half-hour - making for a comfortable return to action for defender Danny Swailes, making his first start in over 13 months - with their best effort coming from Franck Moussa, who dragged a shot wide on 26 minutes.

But it wasn't long before the home side were back on the attack - Johnson flashing dangerously across goal from the left after good work between Easter and Wilbraham, and Doran providing similarly dangerous ammunition with a devilish cross from the right.

After Easter had skewed a long-range effort just wide, the Dons unsurprisingly doubled their advantage with the move of the match on the stroke of half-time.

Luke Howell's ball into Easter's feet was intelligently dummied by the Dons striker leaving Wilbraham, acutely aware of Carrington's arrival from deep, to lay-on a typically perfect pass for his team-mate to do the rest.

With a two-goal cushion secured, it looked all over bar the shouting, but with their manager's demands to put games to bed quickly ringing in their ears, the Dons set about putting Southend to the sword.

Mark Carrington celebrates with Aaron Doran.

Howell and Easter combined well again to set Johnson up on the edge of the box seven minutes after the interval, but the American's piledriver drew a superb one-handed save from Mildenhall.

The resulting corner cranked the pressure up further as Johnson's delivery was flicked on by Swailes and Wilbraham hooked an improvised shot against the crossbar.

It was the spell of the game for the home side and Dean Lewington was the latest to be thwarted by Mildenhall as his header from a Doran free-kick was turned away.

But the Southend 'keeper's major duel was with Johnson, whose personal efforts to breach the defences of the former Yeovil custodian were frustrated once more when another brilliant 20-yard strike was clawed round the post on the hour.

Striker Sam Baldock was introduced following his return from the Under-20 World Cup and the newly-capped England international only added to Southend's problems.

Peter Leven battles for possession with Lee Barnard.

One trademark burst into attack from the Cowshed favourite resulted in him inevitably setting up Johnson on 72 minutes, whose near-post shot was blocked again by the inspired Mildenhall.

The duelling pair were not finished there though, as Johnson's nemesis incredibly produced a fifth outstanding save to deny the outstanding Dons forward, plunging to his left with six minutes to go to push a sizzling strike around the post.

Dons progress into the area quarter final of the competition, while a convincing performance in front of their own fans will give much cause for encouragement ahead of two home league games.

MK Dons (4-4-2): Gueret, Howell, McCracken, Swailes, Lewington (c); Johnson, Carrington, Leven (O. Gobern 80), Doran (Morgan 78); Wilbraham, Easter (Baldock 63).

Subs not used: Searle, Darren Powell.

Goals: Doran 18, Carrington 45.

Booked: Wilbraham

Southend United (4-4-2): Mildenhall; Francis, Sankofa, Barrett (c), Herd; Laurent, Sawyer, Christophe, Moussa (O'Keefe 69); Barnard (Freedman 74), O'Donovan.

Subs not used: McCormack, Joyce.

Booked: Christophe, Francis, Sawyer.

Attendance: 4,792 (298 away).

Referee: Oli Langford (West Midlands)