MK Dons boss Paul Warne hails Aaron Collins and Alex Gilbey in win at Harrogate

MK Dons boss Paul Warne applauded Aaron Collins and Alex Gilbey after the pair compensated for the loss of crocked top-scorer Nathaniel Mendez-Laing during a 4-0 thrashing of Harrogate.

Collins and Gilbey both bagged braces at the Exercise Stadium in the Dons’ first game since losing PFA November League Two Player of the Month Mendez-Laing, who has undergone surgery for a hamstring injury.

Former Bolton forward Collins, making his first league start since the campaign’s opening day due to his own injury issues, scored his first league goals for the club, while midfielder Gilbey drew level with Mendez-Laing on eight in all competitions.

Callum Paterson, meanwhile, claimed an assist for all three opening goals and a pleased Warne said: “We had goal involvements all over the team, which was a boost after losing Nathan, who had his operation today.

“I spoke to Gilbs before the game about getting in the box a bit more. He doesn’t need to help as much in the build-up if we get our wide players on the ball and he took his goals really well.

“With Aaron, there wasn’t a pressure on him to score – he’s probably put that on himself – but I just wanted to see a decent performance from him and that’s what he gave us.

“The scoreline could have been a bit more handsome because we missed some chances, but it was a comfortable afternoon and we made it that way with our performance in the first half.

“We started the game really well and, coming here, I wanted to get a grip on the match and not give them anything to shout about.”

Struggling Harrogate have taken just three points from a possible 33 and suffered a sixth straight home loss in the league – the last five without scoring.

It’s a run of form that, coupled with injuries to other players, has persuaded manager Simon Weaver to recall club legend Josh Falkingham from retirement.

The 35-year-old midfielder hung up his boots at the end of last season, but was introduced as a 68th-minite substitute and Weaver was pleased with his contribution.

“We’re trying to keep spirits up, whilst telling the truth about where we need to be better, which is all over the pitch to be honest and, when the chips are down, you look for characters out there,” Weaver declared.

“It was very quiet in the first half and we need character and personality, which is why Falks has been re-registered and called back in. He’s our under-18s coach and he’s doing that brilliantly.

“He’s doing that in evenings, hasn’t had a pre-season or played many games in the past calendar year, but he asserted himself when he came on, which was great to see and I was proud of him.

“It just makes a difference when you have somebody who has a real desire to get on the ball, even when you’re 3-0 down and he shone out for the group in terms of that.”