Second half strikes give MK Dons pre-season victory at Corby Town
Three second half goals were enough for MK Dons to beat Corby Town in a friendly in Northamptonshire.
Ben Reeves grabbed a brace, opening the scoring from the penalty spot and later grabbing a second. Corby Town pulled a goal back from the penalty spot, but youngster Sam Nombe wrapped up the win late on.
On a humid day in the UK, the warmer first half saw chances come fewer and far between. The League One side had the first opportunities, with Giorgio Rasulo having an effort from range blocked, and Connor Furlong firing wide.
Corby’s first major chance fell to Callum Ball, who could only fire wide when in sight of Charlie Burns’ goal. After that, Reeves forced a save from home goalkeeper Aidan Grant, and Samir Carruthers saw a shot blocked.
The Dons then quickly got off the mark after the restart. Reeves was fouled in the penalty area to win a spot-kick, and duly converted it.
Within minutes of that, Reeves got a second. The former Southampton trainee was picked out by Rasulo’s cross, and nodded the ball home for 2-0.
Corby Town then quickly got back to within one goal of the visitors. Joe Walsh handled a cross, giving the hosts a penalty, and substitute Andre Johnson rolled the ball in.
Despite this, it was MK Dons who had the stronger chances, with Rasulo volleying over and Tom Hitchcock having a strike ruled out.
Karl Robinson then chose to make changes, and 2 of the arrivals combined to make it three. Brandon Thomas-Asante saw his initial effort stopped, but Nombe followed up to head the ball in.
Daniel Powell and Ben Tilney then failed to make the most of chances to register a fourth. But nevertheless, the Dons had themselves their first pre-season victory in England of the new campaign.
Robinson’s side continue their pre-season with a trip to Aldershot Town on Saturday.