MK DONS U18 1 IPSWICH TOWN U18 2

Academy Director Mike Dove remains pleased with the development of his Under-18 team, but says they need to show more desire in front of goal after their weekend defeat to Ipswich.

Mike's youngsters produced another encouraging display at Woughton on the Green, taking the lead through Justin Dowling after an extremely bright start, but were pegged back by Chris Kiwomya's Tractor Boys.

And after seeing their creative approach work carve out a number of decent chances during the game, Mike says the finishing touches are the only thing missing for his team at present.

He said: "In terms of development and from a footballing point of view, I've been very pleased.

"Our statistical breakdown shows we're getting plenty of things right, but it's in the final third that we need to improve.

"The best players come alive when an opportunity presents itself and sometimes we just lack a bit of desire to get a head, a toe or any sort of body part on a ball to put it in the net."

Dowling capped an impressive opening spell from the young Dons when he converted a Martel Powell pass on six minutes to put the home side in front.

Igor Coronado in action against Ipswich on Saturday.

Full-back Adam Chicksen saw a shot well saved before Martel Powell headed just wide, and Daniel Powell was also denied by some good goalkeeping as Mike's team upped the pressure.

But they were dragged back on 38 minutes when a shot from an Ipswich forward squirmed under Ashley Harrison for Ipswich's equaliser.

Town completed the turnaround after the break with a second on 69 minutes and despite stoppage time chances for Jordan Browne, Daniel Powell and Martel Powell, in injury time, the Dons were unable to salvage a result.

"In terms of the result we probably deserved more, but I was impressed with the way we kept possession and the way we moved Ipswich around," Mike added.

"We started very, very brightly with some very positive movement, but it's a case of taking advantage of those spells and capitalising when you're on top."

Dons: Harrison, Williams, King, Milton, Chicksen (c), Farden (McGovern 80), Dowling (Browne 45), D. Powell, M. Powell, Coronado (Lee 80), Collins.

Subs not used: Glass, G. Baldock.