Milton Keynes Dons

MK Dons’ standings within the EFL Youth Alliance Group C table remain unaffected following a 4-2 defeat to Cambridge United.

A loss against the U’s prevented MK Dons from nearing the top three as a victory would have allowed them to be equal to Gillingham, who currently occupy third place. However, the Gills’ goal difference is seven greater than the Dons’.

Although the Under-18s failed to close the gap this time, they still have a game-in-hand over their opponents who position above and below them within the Youth Alliance table.

The hosts opened the scoring, and it would seem their early control of the game would prove detrimental to John Bitting’s boys. Cambridge had suffered back-to-back defeats prior to this match, but the opening stages of the game saw them battle strong and take advantage of their opponent.

Edwin Daffern placed his name on the scoresheet as the first half neared its end. The forward player is now one goal away from netting ten for the season so far.

Although Daffern’s goal graced MK Dons with a lifeline, the U’s ensured to strip away the travelling team’s hope of grabbing a result from the league clash as they increased their lead to 4-1.

Tommy Blennerhassett, who was used as a substitute in the 70 minute, halved the deficit, but it was merely a consolation to the young Dons, who were held at an arm’s length.

Cambridge United claimed a 4-2 over MK Dons, who will look to bounce-back this Saturday against Stevenage.

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MK Dons: Stacey, Wood, Boyce (Lucas 60), Bombo, Stirland, Waller, Adepoju (Olaleye 70), Tripp, Anker, Daffern (Blennerhassett 70), Scholtz (Pickering 60)

Goals: Daffern 44, Blennerhassett 75