MK Dons continued their pre-season preparations with an impressive 7-1 victory over Coventry City in a behind-closed-doors clash at St George’s Park.

Max Watters and Matt O'Riley both found the net twice while Jay Bird, Scott Twine and Harry Darling were also on the scoresheet.

It was perhaps the worst possible start for Martin’s side as within a minute Coventry had taken the lead, Josh Eccles converting from inside the box after being found by Hamer’s pass. 0-1.

The Dons looked for an immediate reply as Charlie Brown headed Scott Twine’s free-kick towards goal. He was denied by Simon Moore who was on hand to claim the effort.

Jay Bird was then found by Josh Martin, he delivered a low cross into the box, Charlie Brown turned his cross narrowly wide.

Kasumu displayed his athleticism and power as he broke through the midfield before attempting a shot from the edge of the box. Moore, however, was once again equal to the effort to save.

The Dons continued to push for an equaliser, the latest attempt on goal coming from Jay Bird. His strike was well-saved by Moore, who them claimed the following corner.

It was Bird who eventually equalised for Martin’s side after impressive work from Ethan Robson. He managed to dig out a cross from the right into the path of Bird, from there, he headed home to level the scoring. 1-1. 

Shortly after, the Dons had the chance to take the lead after Scott Twine was fouled inside the box. He took on penalty taking duties and produced an audacious chip to give Dons the lead. 2-1

The Dons then doubled their lead through Max Watters. He lost his man well inside the box before firing into the back of the net. 3-1.

Watters almost found his second of the afternoon after some good work from John Freeman. His effort was deflected narrowly wide of the post, just out of Charlie Brown’s reach.

Watters did eventually find the back of the net for the second time, this one coming about after some good movement inside the box. Bird had his shot blocked, but Watters is in the right place to turn home. 4-1.

Despite their advantage, the Dons continued to push more goals and soon found their fifth through Matt O’Riley. The midfielder drove through the middle of the pitch before finding the bottom corner from the edge of the box. 5-1.

Daniel Harvie then broke into the box down the left-wing as he shaped to shoot, he was fouled, leaving the referee no other decision than to award a penalty. Matt O’Riley stepped up to the spot and found the back of the net. 6-1.

Six soon became seven as Harry Darling found himself with time and space from distance. He produced a stunning strike that left the Coventry keeper with no chance. 7-1

MK Dons First 60 XI: Walker, Ilunga, Lewington, Robson, Baldwin, Davies, Martin, Kasumu, Bird, Twine, Brown.

MK Dons Second 60 XI: Ravizzoli, Harvie, Jules, O’Hora, Darling, Trialist, Freeman, Trialist, O’Riley, Watters, Bird.

Goals: Bird, Watters (2), Twine, O'Riley (2), Darling