Dons top Papa John's Trophy group to secure home draw

Northampton's penalty shootout victory over Stevenage on Tuesday night ensured MK Dons finished top of their group in the Papa John's Trophy and will get a home draw in the next round.

Following the 0-0 draw at the PTS Academy Stadium, Keith Curle's side were 4-2 winners on spot-kicks to progress into the second round, joining Dons in Friday's hat for the next round.

"I think we deserved to top the group," said Dons boss Russell Martin. "We performed well in every game and our wins were good wins with younger players.

"We really respect the competition and want to do well in it, but we do use it to give young players the chance to play first-team football.

"Jay Bird scored two, John Freeman has looked fantastic and Matty obviously scored his first professional goal.

"Now, I’m looking forward to the next round."

Friday's draw will see Dons take on either AFC Wimbledon, Portsmouth, Forest Green Rovers, Gillingham, Northampton Town, Norwich City U21s, Peterborough United and either Bristol Rovers or Chelsea U21s.