MK Dons got their play-off drive back on track with a comfortable 3-1 win over a Southend side struggling for points.

Shrimpers rue missed chances

MK Dons got their play-off drive back on track with a comfortable 3-1 win over a Southend side struggling for points. The Shrimpers nearly opened the scoring when striker Scott Vernon forced Willy Gueret into a superb save from close range. The Dons hit back and soon went ahead through a Mark Carrington low drive past Southend shot-stopper Steve Mildenhall after good work from Jermaine Easter. Simon Francis could have levelled for the away side but his effort struck the post and seemed to spur on the Dons who doubled their lead. Carrington controlled Dean Lewington's low cross before rifling a precise left-foot shot into the corner to mark his fourth goal of the season. Steve Tilson's men did not give up and Vernon tried to drag the visitors back into the match with a decent effort, however Andros Townsend sealed the win for the Dons with ten minutes to spare. Substitute Matthew Paterson pulled one back for the Shrimpers however Paul Ince's men took home all three points.