Charles at the double as Dons lose to Accrington

MK Dons could not capitalise on their fine midweek win as they were beaten 2-1 by Accrington Stanley on Saturday.

Dion Charles bagged a brace, either side of a solo Carlton Morris strike, to secure the points for the home side, but it would be a frustrating afternoon for Russell Martin's side, who once again controlled the game for long periods, despite a slow start.

The result means Dons remain 17th ahead of their midweek Papa John's Trophy game against Norwich U21s on Tuesday night.

After their excellent 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic on Wednesday night, Russell Martin opted for the same 18-man squad again at the Wham Stadium to take on Accrington.

But it looked like there was a hangover from their performance at They Valley as Dons started poorly and were quickly behind. Having survived an earlier opportunity when Colby Bishop headed wide, Dons' defensive frailty was exposed when Tariq Uwakwe broke down the let flank to pick out Dion Charles for his fifth goal of the season, poking past Andrew Fisher.

The visitors were often the architects of their own problems in the opening 25 minutes, wanting too much time on the ball as a hungry Accrington side put them under pressure with every touch.

But Dons weren't without their chances as they began to establish themselves. Cameron Jerome squandered a great chance to level when he was put through one-on-one with Toby Savin, only to be denied by the keeper, before Carlton Morris carved himself some space but fired wide from the edge of the box.

The final 20 minutes of the half though was all Dons as they hemmed the home side in, but could not make anything clear.

But they carried their momentum into the second half and it wasn't long before they were level, and it came thanks to a brilliant individual effort from Morris. Running from the halfway line, the striker took on three or four Accrington players before firing low past Savin to equalise eight minute after the restart.

Dons would be level for just nine minutes though as a defensive mistake allowed Charles to tap into an empty net to restore their lead.

It would end up being a frustrating final 25 minutes for Martin's side as they struggled in vain to draw level for a second time – substitutes Regan Poole and Ste Walker both having chances, while Scott Fraser slipped at the vital moment as his shot was easily gathered by Savin.

The result means Dons remain 17th in the standings.

Referee: Antony Coggins

Accrington Stanley: Savin, Nottingham, Hughes, Burgess, Butcher, Pritchard, Uwakwe, Rodgers, Bishop, Conneely, Charles

Subs not used: Baxter, Russell, Cassidy, Barclay, Sama, Fenlon, Mansell

MK Dons: Fisher, Lewington, Keogh, O'Hora, Gladwin (Poole 59), Sorinola (Harvie 75), Kasumu, Surman (Sorensen 75), Fraser, Morris, Jerome (Walker 82)

Subs not used: Nicholls, Williams, Cargill

Booked: Gladwin, Kasumu, Pritchard, Sorinola, Harvie