Milton Keynes Dons Under-18s were defeated 2-1 by their Cambridge United in the Youth Alliance Central League at Woughton-on-the-Green on Saturday morning.

Recoe Martin’s early goal gave MK Dons the lead just before the half-hour mark, however, goals either side of half-time gave the visiting side all three points.

Having controlled the early stages of the encounter, it was Edu Rubio’s side that took the early lead.

Having received the ball inside the box, the Dons number nine slammed home from a tight angle giving his side a well-deserved lead. 1-0. 

They could’ve had their second of the game moments later when Jay Bird’s driven cross rolled across the face of the goal before Cambridge cleared their lines.

Just before the break, the visitors levelled the scoring. Cambridge’s corner was initially cleared by the Dons defence before the ball was crossed back into the box. 

The Cambridge goalscorer was in the right place at the right time to slot home from close range to send the sides in tied at half-time. 1-1.

Charlie Pattison had the first chance of the second half when his driven effort from 20-yards-out smashed off the post.

Almost immediately, Cambridge completed the turnaround 10-minutes into the second half when a driven cross from the left was headed home from close range. 1-2. 

Bird tried his best to equalise when he went close twice within a matter of minutes. His first effort was parried away by the United keeper before his second – started with a mazy run – clipped the post before going wide. 

The United defence stood firm towards the end of the game to see out the result and run out winners. 

MK Dons XI: Jones, Sole, Leach (Robinson 61), Pattison (capt, Rowley 61), Hourican-Harvey, Freeman (Brennan 61), Ackom (Davies 61), Wright, Martin, Bird, Sorinola.

Unused Sub: Rose.

Goal: Martin (27).