SOUTHEND United’s under 23 side suffered a convincing 6-1 defeat against MK Dons this afternoon.

The Shrimpers were missing players involved with tonight’s FA Cup clash at Crawley and tomorrow night's FA Youth Cup clash with Charlton Athletic.

And MK Dons took full advantage in a game played at Aveley’s Parkside Stadium.

Dons took the lead after just 15 minutes when Brandon Asante fired home before Aiden Nessi made it 2-0 just moments later. 

Asante soon bagged his second before Dylan Asunganye made it 4-0 before the break.

Eren Kinali hit back for Blues at the start of the second half but Asante soon bag two more goals to complete the scoring.

The Shrimpers were also hit by injuries to defenders Tom Clifford and Taylor Curran in the first half.

Southend United: Bexon, Humphreys, Clifford (Acquah 28), Pianim, Curran (Biler 41), Howard, Kinali, Batlokwa, Ba, Hutchinson, Phillips. Subs not used: Taylor, Dabbs & Mpenga