Matt Macey own goal earns MK Dons victory against Colchester

Matt Macey’s own goal was enough for MK Dons to claim a 1-0 win at home to Colchester and close the gap on leaders Bromley to two points.

The home side had the better first-half chances as Alex Gilbey saw a drive hit the crossbar, Aaron Collins fired a low strike just wide and goalkeeper Macey kept out Jon Mellish’s attempt.

The Dons bundled in the opener after 39 minutes. Ben Wiles’ header hit the bar, Collins’ rebound hit a post and the ball bounced in off the unfortunate Macey.

The hosts came close again as Gilbey was denied by Macey in the final moments of the first half.

Colchester’s best chances came after the break as Arthur Read’s shot was deflected over, Kane Vincent-Young hit the side-netting and substitute Jack Payne struck a drive just wide in added time, but no equaliser would come their way.

MK Dons made it 14 league games unbeaten to stay second in the table, seven points clear of the play-off places, while the U’s remain six points behind the top seven.