Terrible Dons made to pay for poor first half as they lose to Crewe

Two goals in 20 minutes saw Crewe cruise to victory over MK Dons as their search for a win on away soil goes on.

Over a year since their last win away from Stadium MK, the Alexandra Stadium did not prove to be a happy hunting ground for Russell Martin's side as Mikael Mandron and Oliver Finney struck twice in seven minutes to give David Artell's side a well-deserved lead as Dons risked folding like a house of cards, and were lucky not to be cast further adrift before the break.

The introduction of Scott Fraser at the break altered Dons' fortunes somewhat at the break, but with just one shot on target during the game, they never looked like getting back into it.

After losing last time out to Lincoln City, Russell Martin made three changes to the side, including handing first league starts to Ben Gladwin and Matthew Sorinola, while Lasse Sorensen also comes back in. Regan Poole, David Kasumu and Daniel Harvie all dropped to the bench alongside Richard Keogh, part of his first squad since signing for Dons in the summer.

And after 13 minutes, Martin would have been wishing he had the experienced head of the former Derby man in his defence as the back three looked at sea when Crewe took the lead. Perry Ng found space on the Crewe right to pick out Mikael Mandron for a straight-forward header.

Dons' search for an away win was already over a year long when they arrived at Alexandra Stadium, but it was made doubly difficult when Oliver Finney made it 2-0 on 20 minutes, afforded far too much space in the penalty area by a defence far too slow in starting.

Their afternoon certainly did not improve before the break, with Crewe looking dangerous throughout while Carlton Morris and Joe Mason were spectators for the most part, barely getting a sniff of goal during the first half.

In fact, but for the offside flag and some overhit passes, Crewe should have been further ahead at the interval.

The introduction of Scott Fraser at half time did bring about a change in the way Dons played in the second period. Gone were the nerves and lack of ability on the ball, but it did not bring about the goals Dons needed. Joe Mason fired in Dons' only shot on target midway through the second half which was routinely dealt with by Will Jaaskelainen, but yet another defensive mistake should have cost the visitors.

A simple ball over the top appeared to be heading towards Owen Dale in an offside position, but Finney burst through to go one-on-one with the Dons keeper, only to be denied by a vital block from Nicholls.

But it would be Crewe who would come closest to extending their lead, with the excellent Charlie Kirk bending one just wide of the post before Harry Pickering scooped a decent strike over the bar.

A late debut for Richard Keogh was a feint silver-lining for Russell Martin's side.

Referee: Seb Stockbridge

Crewe: Jaaskelainen, Ng, Pickering, Wintle, Kirk, Mandron, Finney (Lundstram 70), Offord, Dale (Ainley 77), Murphy, Beckles

Subs not used: Richards, Lowery, Zanzala, Lancashire, Sass-Davies

MK Dons: Nicholls, Lewington, O'Hora, Cargill, Brittain, Sorinola (Keogh 83), Houghton, Gladwin, Sorensen (Fraser 46), Mason (Nombe 71), Morris

Subs not used: Walker, Poole, Kasumu, Harvie

Booked: Gladwin, Finney, Houghton, Nombe, Morris