Pogba fires Alex to victory

Leading goalscorer Mathias Pogba struck twice as Crewe Alexandra came from behind to defeat ten-man MK Dons 2-1 at Gresty Road.

The visitors took the lead around the half-hour mark when Patrick Bamford headed in a cross from former Alex striker Ryan Lowe.

However, Crewe were back level before the break as Pogba headed in a Gregor Robertson cross before later claiming the winner with just six minutes remaining.

There was still enough time left for Dons' Antony Kay to receive his marching orders for two rapid cautions after his side had already hit the woodwork three times during the second-half.

Manager Steve Davis earlier awarded full debuts to latest signing Nathan Ellington and youngster Ryan Colclough as Byron Moore and Max Clayton were both unavailable.

And Colclough began in explosive fashion with a drive immediately being turned aside by MK keeper Ian McLoughlin. Darren Potter struck wide in reply following handball claims against Mark Ellis while Pogba soon hoisted over at the other end.

But the visitors surged ahead when Shaun Williams seized upon Luke Murphy's misplaced pass and Lowe supplied Bamford to head into the far corner.

Former Alex marksman Lowe was next denied by Harry Davis near to the line while Ellis went close with a replying header and Colclough lifted the rebound over.

New striker Ellington then proceeded to force McLoughlin into action from distance and Robertson delivered at the second attempt for Pogba to head an equaliser five minutes before the break.

The Dons replied by twice hitting the woodwork at the start of the second-half while Ellington shot too close to McLoughlin before his skipper Murphy limped out of the action.

The visitors again went close to regaining the lead when Williams sent a free-kick against the crossbar, until Pogba held off a challenge on 84 minutes to claim the winner after his initial effort was blocked by McLoughlin.

Dons' misery was then completed as Kay was dismissed following a touchline challenge on substitute Matt Tootle and only minutes after fouling two-goal Pogba.

Crewe Alexandra: Phillips, Mellor, Davis, Ellis, Robertson, Murphy (Turton 59), Osman, Colclough, Pogba, Leitch-Smith (Tootle 85), Ellington (Aneke 74)

subs (unused): Martin, Dugdale, West

Goals: Pogba (40, 84)

MK Dons: McLoughlin, Otsemobor (Smith 85), Chicksen, Kay, Williams, Gleeson, Potter, Lines, Bowditch (Baldock 64), Lowe (McLeod 69), Bamford

subs (unused): Doumbe

Goals: Bamford (31)

Ref: Robinson

Att: 3,770

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