MK Dons win eight-goal thriller against Barnsley

MK Dons emerged winners from an eight-goal League One thriller with Barnsley at Oakwell this afternoon.

Joe Dudgeon's early long throw for Barnsley found Lewin Nyatanga, but he could only direct his header straight at keeper David Martin.

Barnsley then took a quick free kick which allowed Conor Hourihane to take a shot on goal, but his left-footed effort hit the post.

Jordan Spence drove forward as he looked to establish a foothold in the game for MK Dons, crossing for Benik Afobe, who had his shot blocked by Martin Cranie.

Afobe eventually got the breakthrough after following up Mark Randall's drive to fire home.

Samir Carruthers then added a second for the visitors just before the half-time whistle by smashing into the top corner.

Highly-rated Dele Alli got MK Dons a third after the break, nutmegging a Barnsley defender before finishing with a deft chip.

Hourihane played a ball forward for Devante Cole to chase as Barnsley looked to claw a goal back, but the striker's touch was too heavy and Martin was able to come off his line and claim.

Will Grigg got the away side's fourth goal by coolly slotting past Adam Davies, before Ben Reeves sealed what appeared to be an emphatic win with a fifth.

Barnsley showed admirable determination to fight back, however, and for a moment looked like they might pull off an unlikely comeback.

First, Hourihane produced two stunning strikes to reduce the deficit, before Devante Cole scored in the 90th minute.

It was too little, too late for the hosts as MK Dons went home from Yorkshire with a 5-3 victory.