MK Dons Under-18s suffered a 2-0 defeat against Southend United at Fairfield’s Sports Hub.

This loss resulted in a fourth consecutive fixture without a result for the young Dons, it also highlighted the first defeat out of the previous four where MK Dons couldn’t locate the back of the net.
 
Due to their recent shortcomings, John Bitting’s boys now find themselves placed fifth within the EFL Youth Alliance Group C table. Southend and Sutton United currently sit behind the Dons, separated by a two-point difference.
 
FIRST HALF
The home side made it difficult for the visitors within the opening stages of the clash. Chances were crafted, but MK Dons couldn’t apply the finishing touch to their opportunities.
 
Joshua Adepoju had scored, what he thought, was the opener of the game. However, the linesman’s flag was raised to indicate an offside position, which cancelled out the young forward’s finish.
 
Moments before the interval, the opposition’s forward Max Fiddes snatched up a mistake and ensured that he punished MK Dons for it. 0-1
 
SECOND HALF
The start to the second 45 minutes replicated the first half. Multiple changes were made to aid the Dons as they searched for an equaliser. Once again, this tested the Blue’s goalkeeper, who prevented every shot that put the visitor’s advantage at risk.
 
20 Minutes ahead of the full-time whistle, Fiddes claimed his brace for the travelling team. Seb Stacey did well to prevent the initial chance from Southend. However, the save could only be parried into an area where the forward was placed before he doubled MK Dons’ deficit. 0-2
 
This was the fourth defeat in a row for John Bitting’s Boys, who will seek victory within the EFL Youth Alliance Cup this Saturday against Cambridge United.
 
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MK Dons: Stacey, Wood, Lucas (Boyce 62), Stirland, Anderson (Scholtz 62), Waller (Pickering 45), Bombo, Tripp, Adepoju, Blennerhassett (Anker 45), Olaleye (Daffern 62)