MK Dons Under-18s weren’t able to end the calendar year on a positive note as they lost 3-0 to Cambridge United at Woughton-on-the-Green.
There were initially doubts over whether the fixture would go ahead due to the rain but with the sun coming out around half an hour before kick-off, and a stiff breeze blowing across the playing area, the surface was able to dry out.
The Dons had a good chance to go ahead in the 10th minute when a ball across from the left was dragged wide from close range by Josh Bailey.
The first half an hour of the match was a very even affair but both sides struggled to create clear chances due to the difficult playing conditions and the match being punctuated regularly by the referee’s whistle.
Cambridge, though, took the lead seven minutes before the break as a cross from the left was guided into the net on the half -olley at the near post. 0-1.
Then, in first-half stoppage time, the side from Cambridgeshire doubled their lead when a cross from the left went right through the penalty area before being tapped in at the far post. 0-2.
The visitors were increasingly dictating the match throughout the second half, and just after the hour mark, Dons keeper Tom Carter had to be at his best to make a close-range save inside the box and prevent Cambridge extending their lead.
With 15 minutes remaining, the visitors sealed victory when a free-kick from around 25 yards out was beautifully curled into the net by the Cambridge number ten. 0-3.
Despite some promising play the Dons failed to test the Cambridge keeper and ended 2019 with a loss.
MK Dons: Carter, Crane, Brennan (c), Freeman, Sule, Leach, Robinson, Rowley, Jallow (Holmes 61), Bailey, Deall (Matsuazi 61).
Subs not used: Mumford, Johnson, Black.
