COLCHESTER UNITED RES 4 MK DONS RES 2

A young MK Dons reserve team fell to a 4-2 defeat at Colchester United despite a battling display on Wednesday afternoon.

U's striker Jamie Guy proved the scourge of the Dons as his hat-trick plus a late goal from Luke Guttridge sealed victory.

For a Dons side containing just one professional in the shape of Sam Collins, it was a game they could take a lot from as they matched their Championship opponents for long periods.

Work experience striker Reis Ashraf was again on target while Dan Powell converted a penalty late on as the Dons briefly threatened to snatch a point in the Pontin's Holidays Combination.

Guy opened the scoring on seven minutes, beating an inspired Kurt Fox who made several excellent saves in the opening exchanges.

But Ashraf's equaliser on 22 minutes from trialist Daniel Roles' cross sent the Dons in level at the break.

Using the experience the likes of Kevin McLeod and Guttridge brought to the side, Colchester raced into a 3-1 lead after half-time as Guy completed his treble with goals on 46 and 58.

Powell's effort from the spot, having been fouled himself, prompted a late rally from the visitors as they desperately battled to take something from the game.

But they were caught on the break by Guttridge, who rounded Fox after springing the offside trap to make the result safe.

Dons: Fox, King, Collins, Shuter, Thorne, Flanagan, Powell, Delderfield, Ashraf, Farden, Roles.

Subs not used: Dowling, Heald.