Harvey Knibbs fires Cambridge United to victory over MK Dons in League One

Harvey Knibbs' brilliant goal clinched Cambridge United a 1-0 win over MK Dons at the Abbey Stadium in the first game of the new Sky Bet League One season.

The U's forward struck in the 17th minute of a resolute and impressive performance to clinch all three points.

It was a blistering start by MK Dons.

They were inside the United area within the first 30 seconds, and perhaps could have had a penalty for a clumsy challenge in the box, but instead the ball fell to Matt Smith, whose shot cannoned back off the underside of the bar.

United had the ideal riposte and went on the attack.

Adam May's 25-yard free kick was the first attempt on target, but was easily gathered by MK Dons keeper Jamie Cumming.

Knibbs was proving all action, and seemed a little bit unfortunate to be booked for simulation after going down at the edge of the MK Dons area.

However, he bounced back in the 17th minute. Taking a short pass from James Brophy, he drove into the MK Dons area and cut inside before firing a low shot into the net to Cumming's right.

It was no less than United deserved, and they went on to dominate the rest of the half without creating any more real clear-cut chances,

The best of the rest was a back post header across goal from Joe Ironside that was easily held by Cumming.

MK Dons carried more of a threat in the early stages of the second half, with substitute Bradley Johnson stabbing an effort wide.

However, defences were on top as the glimpses of goal were few and far between for either team.

There were some big blocks, however, they were mainly for chances from distance.

There was an exciting cameo from new signing Saikou Janneh, who twice skinned opponents on the left wing before having the final chance of the match, smashing miles over from just inside the area.

But when the final whistle went it signalled a thoroughly deserved three points for the U's, with a really professional performance.

Cambridge United: Mitov, Williams, Okedina, Jones, Dunk, May, Digby, Knibbs, Smith, Brophy, Ironside.

Substitutes: O'Neil (Knibbs, 70), Tracey (Ironside, 70), Haunstrup (Dunk, 81), Janneh (Brophy, 90). Not used: Mannion, Taylor, Lankester, Janneh.

MK Dons: Cumming, Lawrence, Tucker, O'Hora, Lewington, McEachran, Smith, Holland, Grant, Kemp, Grigg.

Substitutes: Johnson (McEachran, 37), Oygoke (Lawrence, 60), Barry (Kemp, 60), Dennis (Grant, 81), Burns (Holland, 81). Not used: Ravizolli, Robson.

Referee: John Busby.

Bookings: Cambridge United - Knibbs (unsporting behaviour, 9min), Jones (foul, 59); MK Dons - Lawrence (foul, 41), O'Hora (foul, 56), Oyegoke (foul, 90).

Attendance: 6,588 (away 1,405).