Joe Tomlinson’s early goal set MK Dons on their way to a fourth straight victory in League Two as they defeated Crawley 2-0 at Stadium MK.
Crawley, who had Laurence Maguire sent off late on after Alex Gilbey’s clincher, will rue spurning a string of big chances during the game.
MK Dons were ahead after just two minutes when Max Dean produced a superb pass to put Tomlinson through and he finished confidently past Corey Addai.
Ronan Darcy had a great chance to equalise after being played in by Danilo Orsi, but his scuffed effort was kept out by Craig MacGillivray.
The MK Dons goalkeeper then had to make another important save to deny Kellan Gordon and he had to be at his best again in the second half to beat away Adam Campbell’s effort.
Having ridden their luck, MK Dons sealed the win with eight minutes remaining when Gilbey’s low shot went in off the post, with Maguire – the brother of Manchester United’s Harry – then sent off for a second booking three minutes later.
