Report, highlights and reaction: Morecambe 1-3 MK Dons

It was a home defeat in League Two for the Shrimps following a 3-1 defeat to MK Dons at the Mazuma Mobile Stadium.

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The Dons had the first chance of note in the 12^th minute, as Jack Payne forced James Connolly into defensive duties blocking a fierce effort from range.

JJ McKiernan looped a header narrowly wide of Craig MacGillivray’s near post from an Adam Mayor free kick from deep, before away side opened the scoring on 31 minutes.

A pinpoint through ball by Alex Gilbey was pounced upon by Max Dean who rounded Adam Smith and slotted into an empty net from a tight angle.

Dean had the ball in the net a few minutes later, but the flag was up for an offside in the build-up, before Connolly came close to an equaliser after meeting a Mayor free kick with his head, but the effort was straight at the keeper.

The Shrimps came out of the blocks quickly in the second half and were back on level terms on 49 minutes.

Adam Mayor just managed to keep the ball in at the byline on the left, and his cross was met with a bullet JJ McKiernan header at the near post for his sixth of the season.

As the wind continued to play a significant role in the quality of the game, Morecambe couldn’t capitalise on a spell on top, before the visitors retook the lead on 69 minutes.

Joe Tomlinson played a neat one-two with Payne before pulling the trigger from the edge of the box and finding the back of the net with a fierce right footed drive into the corner.

A flurry of half chances came Morecambe’s way as the game ticked over into stoppage time, but again the Shrimps couldn’t craft a clear opportunity.

The visitors wrapped up the points in the dying seconds. Dean capitalised on a poor clearance and slammed home.

Morecambe now prepare for a trip to Bradford City on Boxing day.

Morecambe: A Smith, Tutonda (Melbourne, 86’), Bedeau ©, Songo’o (Taylor, 77’), Bloxham (Brown, 77’), King, McKiernan (C Smith, 85’), Mayor, Senior, Slew, Connolly.

Subs not used: Pedley, Stokes, Davenport.

Goals: McKiernan (49’).

Bookings: Connolly, McKiernan, Slew.

MK Dons: MacGillivray, Norman, Lewington ©, O’Hora, Williams, Gilbey, Payne, Tomlinson, Grant (Leko, 65’), Robson, Dean.

Subs not used: Kelly, Harrison, Eisa, Smith, Devoy, Tripp.

Goals: Dean (31’, 90+7’), Tomlinson (69’).

Bookings: Williams

Attendance: 4,551 (183 away)