Dons dealt another cruel defeat by Portsmouth

It was another frustrating afternoon for MK Dons as they remain bottom of League One, losing 2-1 to Portsmouth at Fratton Park.

Russell Martin's side trailed after just 60 seconds when Tom Naylor headed the home side ahead but Scott Fraser scored his first for the club 10 minutes later from the penalty spot. But when George Williams was adjudged to have fouled Sean Raggett in the area, Portsmouth were awarded a penalty of their own on 25 minutes, which Ellis Harrison converted.

Although a thoroughly entertaining encounter, Dons could not find an equaliser in the second period, despite dominating Pompey and having the better of the chances. Sam Nombe, Carlton Morris and Scott Fraser all came close, drawing saves from keeper Craig MacGillivray, but they would come up short again as they search for their first league win continues.

Callum Brittain's departure to Barnsley a couple of hours before kick-off left Dons somewhat threadbare at the back for the trip to Fratton Park, especially with Daniel Harvie and Regan Poole both on international duty. It meant Matthew Sorinola was shifted into the right wing-back role, and three academy products were named on the bench alongside Cameron Jerome, who signed for the club on Friday.

Having gone behind early in their last two games, Dons set a disappointing new record of the fastest goal conceded of their season by falling behind after just 60 seconds when Tom Naylor headed Portsmouth in front from a routine corner for the home side.

But within 10 minutes, Dons had responded well and were level courtesy of a Scott Fraser penalty after Louis Thompson was bundled over by Michael Jacobs.

In the feisty and physical battle, both sides had half-chances and corners to edge themselves in front, but it was another penalty which saw Portsmouth take the lead 25 minutes in after George Williams was adjudged to have pulled down Sean Raggett. Despite getting a hand to it, Lee Nicholls was beaten for a second time, this time by Ellis Harrison.

It was a tightly contested encounter until the break, with both sides going toe-to-toe in an entertaining battle, but Dons could not draw back on level terms before the interval.

As Portsmouth switched to a back four in the second period and it nullified their attacking presence in the second half, and allowed Dons to get on the front foot a lot more as they forced the issue for an equaliser. Sam Nombe, Scott Fraser and Carlton Morris all drew decent saves from keeper MacGillivray, but they could not find a way past.

The introduction of new signing Jerome with 20 minutes to go forced the issue further, and he immediately began to cause problems in the penalty area but the equaliser simply was not forthcoming.

Referee: Lee Swabey

Portsmouth: MacGillivray, Johnson, Brown, Naylor, Whatmough, Harrison, Curtis (Nicolaisen 46), B Morris, Harness (Harness 80), Raggett, Jacobs (R Williams )87

Subs not used: Bass, Close, Cannon, Pring

MK Dons: Nicholls, Cargill, Keogh, Lewington, Williams, Sorinola (Sorensen 87), Kasumu, Thompson (Houghton 70), Fraser, Morris, Nombe (Jerome 70)

Subs not used: Walker, Sorensen, Bird, Davies, Freeman

Booked: Lewington, Jerome, Naylor