Cambridge United 1-0 MK Dons - Dons beaten on the opening day of the season

They can make five changes this season but Dons won’t have wanted to make one this early as Josh McEachran limps out early, replaced by Bradley Johnson

Since the goal, things have settled somewhat and MK Dons are looking a little more at ease with themselves. Matt Smith is the stand-out man for Manning’s side so far, but he’s almost trying to do it alone with the rest of his team looking a little lacklustre.

Knibbs, having been booked earleir for diving, has danced his way through the MK Dons defence there and scored a wonderful solo effort to give the hosts the lead.

Breaking into the penalty area, he skipped past the challenge of Josh McEachran and then cut inside Tucker to find the bottom corner.

1-0

Aside from Smith’s effort off the bar, there hasn’t been much good football from the visitors so far. Long balls aimed at Grigg’s runs so far haven’t given any fruit, the passing machine we’ve some to know the team as also hasn’t clicked yet either.

Cambridge on the other hand look lively and alert, quick to get forwards and eager to put pressure on the visitors.

Corr what a start. After Smith’s effort hit the bar, McEachran sent a ball into the box which missed all Dons heads, while at the other end, Cambridge have stuck in a couple of dangerous crosses which the Dons defence have just about coped with.

What a lightning start from MK Dons as Nathan Holland picks out Matt Smith on the edge of the box, but his strike thuds the bar

MK Dons get the game underway

After bringing in 13 players this summer, it hardly comes as a surprise that five players are making their MK Dons debuts this afternoon.

Henry Lawrence, Jack Tucker, Dan Kemp (not a summer signing but still making his first start), Conor Grant and Nathan Holland all start, while summer signings Jamie Cumming and Will Grigg also start, but of course have already played for the club.

Team: Cumming, Lawrence, Tucker, O’Hora, Lewington, McEachran, Smith, Kemp, Holland, Grant, Grigg

Subs: Ravizzoli, Robson, Oyedoke, Johnson, Barry, Dennis, Burns

At this time last year, Dean Lewington was preparing MK Dons for their opening day fixture against Bolton Wanderers as the interim manager. Now, at the start of his 22nd season, he admits he far prefers being a player over a manager.