Milton Keynes Dons 6-0 Colchester United

Benik Afobe moved on to 18 goals in all competitions this season

Benik Afobe scored a hat-trick as MK Dons thrashed Colchester to keep up the pressure on their promotion rivals.

Dele Alli's strike opened the scoring before on-loan Arsenal striker Afobe netted from 25 yards and then chipped cooly past goalkeeper Sam Walker.

Afobe headed in to complete his treble in the second half before Ben Reeves scored from the spot after Will Packwood saw red for fouling Afobe.

Lee Hodson's curling right-footed shot confirmed the comfortable victory.

Afobe has now scored 18 goals in 23 appearances for the League One club, having joined on-loan from Arsenal in August.

MK Dons remain fourth in League One, five points off leaders Bristol City.

MK Dons Manager Karl Robinson told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"It's always nice when you get a club record and the fans were magnificent.

"I'll put today down to the way the fans were on Tuesday night at the end of the game. We went into this game full of confidence.

"I thought the players were sensational today, every single one of them.

I know Benik will get the headlines but it's great for Dele to get to eight goals. It reminded me of Steven Gerrard's goal against West Ham in the FA Cup."