MK Dons out of Carabao Cup after defeat at Bristol City

MK Dons are out of the Carabao Cup after a 2-0 defeat by Bristol City at Ashton Gate.

A goal in each half did the business for the Championship side, with goals by Jason Knight and Yu Hirakawa deciding the contest in favour of the home side.

Both goals were set up by Scott Twine, who was playing against MK Dons for the first time since leaving the club in 2022.

A Dons side that had nine changes from the weekend’s win at Barrow had a few opportunities, but were ultimately powerless against a Robins side who were seeking to build on a sensational opening day victory over Sheffield United.

The hosts took the lead early. In the sixth minute, Twine’s corner found Knight, with the Bristol City captain’s header landing in the back of the Dons’ net.

An early opportunity had fallen the Dons’ way, with Liam Kelly’s blocked shot falling for Will Collar to prod wide.

Collar would then head a further effort wide after being picked out by Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, while at the other end, Rob Dickie would place a header off target.

Bristol City then moved 2-0 up just after the hour mark. Substitute Hirakwa was picked out by Twine, and the Japanese attacker perfectly placed a right-footed strike beyond Connal Trueman.

Substitute Josh Stokes later hit the crossbar with a chance for a third, but the hosts were able to keep MK Dons at bay from making a comeback as they booked their place in the Second Round.

MK Dons now switch their attentions back to their league programme, with their next outing seeing them play Cheltenham Town at home on Saturday.