Bristol Rovers U18s 4–3 MK Dons U18s
Youth Alliance League, SGS WISE Campus, Saturday 27 September 2025
A first-half hat-trick from Trey Cadett and a second-half winner from Will Turner helped Bristol Rovers U18s edge a seven-goal thriller against Milton Keynes Dons.
The young Gas stormed into a three-goal lead thanks to Cadett’s sharp finishing, before MK Dons mounted a spirited comeback. Kian Osborne’s spectacular overhead kick drew them level at 3–3, but Cadett then turned provider to assist Turner for the decisive strike. Will Wilson also played his part, saving a second-half penalty to ensure Rovers held on for all three points.
It was Rovers who dominated the early exchanges, and their pressure paid off on eight minutes. Cadett broke into the box after a clever through ball and wrong-footed the goalkeeper with a cool finish into the bottom corner.
Cadett doubled the advantage midway through the half, rounding the advancing goalkeeper before calmly slotting home. His hat-trick was complete on 31 minutes, curling into the top corner after good work down the left.
MK Dons pulled one back before half-time when their number ten tapped home after Wilson parried into his path. They came out flying after the restart, with Osborne punishing a defensive mix-up to make it 3–2 before Wilson kept Rovers ahead with a fine penalty save.
Moments later, Osborne produced the moment of the match - an overhead kick from the centre of the box that flew into the top corner to draw the game level at 3–3.
Rovers regained their composure and responded on 63 minutes. Cadett turned provider, threading a perfect pass into Turner, who smashed his finish into the roof of the net to restore the lead. Despite late MK Dons pressure, Rovers stood firm to claim victory.
After the game, Cadett reflected on his hat-trick and assist:
“We were 3–0 up, [I scored a] first-half hat-trick, everyone’s playing well, and then they got back into the game to make it 3–3,” he said. “We just had to keep fighting and fighting because we deserved the win. The work doesn’t stop here - we’ve just got to keep going and hopefully get three points next week as well.”
Professional Development Phase Coach Bobby-McKenzie Black praised the performance, but admitted there are lessons to take forward.
“There are aspects of today’s performance the players should take pride in, but equally it was a game we made a lot more complicated than it needed to be,” he said. “What I really liked was that we rewarded our hard work by taking our chances. The challenge now is how we control games better across 90 minutes.”
Rovers U18s return to action away at Northampton Town on Saturday, 11 October.
Bristol Rovers U18s: Wilson, English, Kelleher, Iwihiwu, Sugahaer, de Long, O’Donnell, Toogood, Cadett, Horgan, Turner.
Goals: Cadett (8, 24, 31), Turner (63)
Booked: Turner
