Milton Keynes Dons secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Colchester United at Stadium MK in a closely-fought Sky Bet League Two encounter.

The hosts enjoyed the better of the opening exchanges, controlling possession for much of the first half and applying sustained pressure in the final third.

Their persistence paid off when Aaron Collins reacted quickest to a loose ball inside the area, his close-range effort deflecting off goalkeeper Matt Macey and over the line to give MK Dons the lead.

Colchester responded strongly after the interval, emerging with renewed intent and committing numbers forward in search of an equaliser. The U’s asked questions of the Dons’ back line, but Paul Warne’s side defended resolutely to preserve their advantage.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, MK Dons held firm to claim all three points from a contest that remained finely balanced throughout, the result allowing them to maintain their grip on second place in the table.

Dons edge Colchester in tight contest at Stadium MK

Dons edge Colchester in tight contest at Stadium MK