MK Dons Under-18s started their Central League campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Woughton on the Green on Tuesday morning.
Jamie Robinson’s second-half goal gave Edu Rubio's side the lead, however, Stevenage levelled late into the clash before securing the win in dramatic fashion seconds from the end.
The home side started the brighter, and with eight minutes on the clock, Recoe Martin forced the Stevenage goalkeeper into an early save after Matthew Sorinola picked out the striker with his cross.
Stevenage were also quick off the mark and after a flurry of corners, Alfie Jones was called upon to deny Stevenage the lead as he tipped wide at his far post.
Soon after, Jamal Sule put his body on the line to block what would’ve been a certain goal for the guests.
Sule’s block breathed life back into Rubio’s side – and they could’ve had the lead on 20 minutes. Jay Bird showed strength and pace on the left to hold off his marker before picking out Martin. The striker created space for himself with his dummy before his shot was deflected onto the crossbar.
Bird was once again involved on the half-hour mark, the forward beat the offside trap to get onto Jamie Robinson’s lofted through ball only to see his shot blocked – Jenson Wright was unable to turn home the rebound.
Robinson was next to try his luck, Wright’s determination down the right enabled the midfielder to pick out Robinson, however, he fired over on the volley.
Seconds from the break Martin’s left-footed effort was spilt by the Stevenage keeper, however, he recovered well to clear off the line.
The first chance of the second-half fell the way of Pattison, after good hold up play from substitute Holmes, the midfielder’s powerful effort went narrowly over.
The Young Dons found their breakthrough on the hour mark, courtesy of Robinson. In truth, the goal was all down to Martin who firstly disposed of the Stevenage right back before driving into the area and finding the unmarked Robinson who converted from close range. 1-0.
Rubio’s side weren’t content with just the one goal and continued their pressure, Sorinola combined well with Pattison before curling a right-footed effort wide of the post.
Bird also tried to double the advantage – he forced the Stevenage keeper into a reactionary save from six-yards out.
The away side began to get a foothold on the second half and drew level with 10 minutes left on the clock thanks to a stunning strike from the Stevenage striker. 1-1.
The Boro maintained their pressure and were duly rewarded as seconds from time secured all three points with a delicate header finding the far corner of Jones' goal. 1-2.
MK Dons XI: Jones; Ackom, Hourican-Harvey (Leach, 86), Sule, Brennan (Holmes, 45); Pattison (C), Wright; Robinson (Freeman, 80), Bird, Sorinola; Martin.
Unsubs: Rose, Davies.
Booked: Ackom.
