Colchester United 0-1 Milton Keynes Dons

Deli Alli has signed a deal to join Tottenham in the summer

MK Dons climbed up to second in League One as Dele Alli's goal was enough to beat strugglers Colchester United.

Alli was allowed to go through unchallenged to slot past Sam Walker just before the end of the first half.

Gavin Massey's half-volley drew a fine save from MK keeper Ian McLoughlin, but the U's failed to find an equaliser and remain a point adrift of safety.

The Dons created few chances themselves, but did enough to move up into the automatic promotion places.

Swindon have a game in hand and are two points behind Karl Robinson's side, but MK will be relieved to have put their promotion bid back on track, after a run of three games without a win.

The only goal came when Colchester failed to fully clear a corner and Antony Kay's hooked ball back into the box fell to Alli, who had plenty of space to calmly finish.

The U's showed commitment, but lacked ideas going forward, and have now lost 10 games from 15 at home in the league - more than any other side in the Football League.

Colchester United boss Tony Humes told BBC Essex:

"There was nothing in the game from the very start. MK Dons are a quality side, they kept possession but they didn't massively hurt us.

"I think we showed them too much respect in the first half.

"In the second half we got among them and, without creating much, we had a lot of the game.

"If you're going to win games you need more penetration in the top half of the field and we didn't quite have that."

MK Dons boss Karl Robinson told BBC Three Counties Radio:

"Colchester dominated the second half but I don't think they created much.

"I've had a bit of a go at them for that second half - we turned to sending things long and trying to win second balls.

"I thought George Williams was brilliant. He cares. We're a relatively young side and I thought they showed tremendous discipline.

"We thought we played better at Gillingham on Saturday and lost 4-2."