A Hiram Boateng brace and a Kieran Agard goal secured victory for MK Dons in the Central League Cup clash with AFC Wimbledon.
MK Dons fielded a strong starting XI for the encounter with a number of first-team players earning important minutes.
Laurie Walker was handed a start, with his defence consisting of Finn Brennan, Baily Cargill, Jack Davies and Charlie Pattison.
David Kasumu, Ryan Harley and Hiram Boateng made up the midfield three, while Jordan Bowery and Kieran Agard sat ahead of Dylan Asonganyi.
It was the ideal start for MK Dons as they took the lead within 44 seconds through Kieran Agard. Pattison’s header fell into the path of Boateng who picked out the run of Asonganyi, he unselfishly rolled it into the path of Agard who slotted home. 0-1.
Boateng then looked to make it two just a couple of minute later, but he was unable to keep his effort down after he was picked out by Harley.
Jack Davies was then forced into his first action of an impressive first-half, as the young defender denied Adjeu Hersey as he shaped to shoot. The following corner found Adieu Hersey who headed wide of the far post.
After some impressive work to win a free-kick, Ryan Harley took the AFC Wimbledon defence by surprise as he played it quickly to Agard. The striker played in Brennan, who after steadying himself, returned the ball into the path Agard – his effort was blocked.
AFC Wimbledon thought they had their equaliser as Wood turned home, but he was denied by the offside flag.
Ogundere then had his dipping volley turned behind for a corner, one that Walker claimed comfortably.
The pressure for AFC Wimbledon soon came to fruition as Tommy Wood levelled the scores on 28-minutes. The striker was found by Macnab as he slotted home from close range. 1-1.
The lead lasted seven minutes before Hiram Boateng restored the advantage for MK Dons. The goal came after some impressive work from Bowery who held up possession well before flicking into the path of Boateng who slotted home. 1-2.
Agard then thought he had netted his second goal of the game as he converted from Bowery’s cross, however, the offside flag was raised against him.
On the stroke of half-time, both keepers produced impressive saves. Firstly, Cox who prevented Agard from close-range, before Walker got down well to Adjei Herse’s volley.
The Dons restored their two-goal lead with 59-minutes on the clock as Hiram Boateng scored his second of the clash. After Asonganyi was picked out by Agard the young striker drove forward before sliding into the path of Boateng. The midfielder steadied himself before finishing left-footed. 1-3.
AFC Wimbledon were back in the game just three minutes later when Chiabi slotted home from close range after a low cross picked out the forward. 2-3.
With nine minutes left of the clash, Walker got down well at his near post to deny Wood his second of the afternoon.
Hiram Boateng went in search of his hat-trick goal, but was unable to keep his shot down from the edge of the box.
That would prove to be the last action of the game, as MK Dons saw out the clash.
Starting XI: Walker, Pattison, Brennan, Kasumu, Davies (Sule 46), Cargill, Harley (Freeman 59), Boateng, Bowery, Asonganyi (Deall 59), Agard.
Subs: Carter, Holmes.
Booked: Kasumu
