Walker twice at fault as Dons are beaten by Southampton's youngsters

Laurie Walker was at fault for both goals as Southampton U21s snatched victory in stoppage time against MK Dons in the Papa John's Trophy on Wednesday night.

Dons' third choice keeper took his eye off the ball to allow Sam Bellis the chance to slide in Southampton's opener on 22 minutes, before a goalkeeping error at the other end allowed Matthew Sorinola to equalise just after half time.

With a penalty shoot-out looming though, Walker's loose pass to Baily Cargill let Kazeem Oligbe fire into the unguarded net three minutes into stoppage time.

While Dons have already qualified for the next round of the competition, they must wait until next week and the result of Northampton vs Stevenage to establish whether they progress as group toppers.

After threatening to name a largely young squad, Russell Martin named six first team regulars to face Southampton, but included nine academy graduates in the squad. There were three debuts on the night too, with Jack Davies, Lewis Johnson and Charlie Smith all making their first starts.

In a game which saw Dons need just a point to progress as group winners, having already secured their second round spot, there was little urgency from the home side in the opening 45 minutes. After being told to be braver in the attacking third by the manager, Carlton Morris had an early effort ruled out for offside as Dons ventured forwards but the chances remained thin on the ground in the first half.

Having made a mistake which cost his side a goal in the previous Papa John's Trophy outing, keeper Laurie Walker was again at fault as Southampton took a 22nd minute lead. Taking a touch from a routine ball back, Sam Bellis gambled on the loose ball and slid the ball into the empty net to put the Saints ahead.

Chances were few and far between as the game barely left second gear, but Morris, Scott Fraser and Lewis Johnson all had sights of goal but could not trouble Harry Lewis in the Southampton net.

In fact, the only one to trouble Lewis was himself barely a minute into the second period as he raced out of his area to attempt to head clear, but the ball bounced over his head and allowed Matthew Sorinola a simple finish into the empty net to equalise for the home side.

He made amends 10 minutes later though, rushing off his line again, but judging it much better to deny Sorinola a second of the night.

Dons youngsters all made a good account of themselves, with substitutes Malakai Black and Josh Bailey too coming on with energy and a lively approach, but they could not force another chance for the home side.

With a second shoot-out in a week looming though, Walker would once again be at fault as Southampton won it in stoppage time. Picking up the ball on the edge of the box, the keeper's pass to Baily Cargill was shot and allowed Kazeem Olaigbe to steal in and poke in the winner.

Referee: Samuel Allison

MK Dons: L Walker, Cargill, Kasumu (Black 61), Morris, Fraser (Thompson 46), Sorensen, Davies, Sorinola (Bailey 61), Freeman, Johnson, Smith

Subs not used: Fisher, Lewington, S Walker, Jerome