The hosts pulled one back early in the second half from the penalty spot, Aaron Collins converting after a contentious decision against Ryan Battrum. But the response from Mark Robson’s side was immediate. Adiele once again burst forward down the flank and picked out Callum Marshall, who flicked the ball beyond Connal Trueman to restore the three-goal cushion.
Marshall then struck again in stoppage time to complete the scoring, finishing off a well-worked set piece to seal a resounding 5-1 victory in front of 130 delighted travelling supporters.
Their biggest-ever goal tally in the competition sees them shoot to the top of their group, a huge confidence boost ahead of their return to Premier League 2 action on Friday when they face newcomers Birmingham City.
Milton Keynes Dons: Trueman, Tripp, Sinclair-Linton (Thompson-Summers 72), Maguire © (Domi 62), Mellish, Collar, Lewis-Burgess, Troso (Guzynski 83), Leko, Collins, Medwynter
Subs not used: Finch (GK), Kelly, Singh-Hurditt, Burke
Booked: Lewis-Burgess Mellish
Goal: Collins (pen) 67
West Ham United U21s: Fabiański, Golambeckis © (Colau 90+5), Mayers, Clayton, Battrum, Kanté, Potts, Earthy (Caliste 68), Fearon (Medine 90), Marshall
Subs not used: Hooper (GK), Oyebade, Akpata, Sowunmi
Booked: Potts
Goals: Fearon 12, 39, Maguire OG 43, Marshall 71, 90+8
Robson: That’s exactly what hard work gives you
Lead Coach Mark Robson praised his side’s performance after a five-star showing at Stadium MK, describing the display as one of the best since he took charge of the U21s.
“The lads were really on it tonight,” he reflected. “We played some excellent football and I thought we looked a really good outfit.”
Robson also highlighted the contribution of returning players, as well as the work rate that underpinned the result.
“It was great to have a couple of the older lads back in and getting some valuable game time. Callum [Marshall]’s work ethic is second to none, he just never stops working, and I said to the boys at the end, that’s exactly what hard work gives you.