U’s bag three goals to beat the Dons

The U's enjoyed a much-needed win (Image: Archant)

Colchester United scored three goals for the first time this season, to deservedly beat MK Dons tonight.

Jabo Ibehre scores the second goal for the U's, taking them to a 2-0 lead in the first half. (Image: Archant)

The U’s recorded only their second victory in the last 18 league and cup outings, thanks to goals from Craig Eastmond, Jabo Ibehre and Macauley Bonne.

Craig Eastmond scores the first goal for Colchester. (Image: Archant)

Eastmond settled the nerves by breaking the deadlock in the 20th minute.

Tom Eastman flicked on Ryan Dickson’s long throw, and the Dons could only clear as far as Eastmond, who was lurking just outside the penalty area.

Eastmond let fly with a left-footed shot that struck the inside of the post and rebounded over the goal-line and into the opposite corner of the net. Keeper Ian McLoughlin had no chance.

It was Eastmond’s first goal of the campaign.

United doubled their lead before the break, thanks to Ibehre’s fourth goal of the season.

It was a real goal poacher’s finish from Ibehre, who anticipated defender Jordan Spence’s attempted backward header to intercept.

The U’s centre forward nudged the ball past the advancing McLoughlin and had the simply task of bundling into an unguarded net from a few yards out.

Jordan Spence pulled a goal back for the Dons, with a 56th minute header, but Bonne made the game safe by slamming home a glorious third with 12 minutes remaining.

Squads

COLCHESTER: Walker, Wilson, Okuonghae, Eastman, Garbutt, Eastmond (sub Bond, 78), David Wright, Gilbey, Vose (sub Bonne, 68), Dickson, Ibehre (sub Szmodics, 90+2). Unused subs: Cousins, Morrison, Olufemi, O’Donoghue.

MK DONS: McLoughlin, Hodson, Williams, Spence, Lewington, Gleeson, Potter, Baldock (sub Banton, 53), Reeves (sub McLeod, 69), Alli (sub Powell, 46), Bamford. Unused subs: Burns, Flanagan, Smith, Carruthers.

Referee: Tim Robinson (West Sussex)

Attendance: 2,597