MILTON KEYNES, England (Interstat) — Milton Keynes Dons defeated Tranmere Rovers 3-0 on Saturday at Stadium MK in a League Two match that kept the hosts firmly in the promotion picture and deepened the visitors’ relegation concerns.

Nathaniel Mendez-Laing opened the scoring in the 18th minute, Alex Gilbey doubled the lead three minutes later and Callum Paterson added a third in the 78th minute. Paterson, a defender, also registered a goal on the stat sheet.

Milton Keynes Dons improved to 24 wins, nine losses and 11 draws in league play, and 24 wins, 12 losses and 11 draws across all competitions. The result extended their unbeaten run in League Two to four matches, following a 3-1 victory at Crewe Alexandra on April 18, a 2-1 win at Bromley on April 11 and a 1-1 draw at Oldham Athletic on April 6. Their only recent setback came in a 1-0 loss at Salford City on March 28.

Tranmere Rovers fell to 10 wins, 25 losses and 10 draws in league play, and 11 wins, 26 losses and 10 draws overall. The loss was their fifth in the last six league matches. Their most recent league win came April 21, a 3-1 victory at Cheltenham Town. Since then, they lost 2-1 at home to Bristol Rovers on April 18 and drew 1-1 at Chesterfield on April 11. The team had managed only two wins in their previous 15 league games.

The match featured two yellow cards. Tranmere’s Sam Finley was booked in the 66th minute, and Milton Keynes’ Ethan Bristow received a caution in the 77th minute.

Milton Keynes Dons have one remaining league fixture, a road match at Fleetwood Town on Saturday, May 2. Tranmere Rovers will host Grimsby Town on the same date, a game that could determine their survival in the fourth tier.

The win at Stadium MK was the second meeting between the sides this season. The earlier encounter on Nov. 22, 2025, at Tranmere’s Prenton Park ended in a 2-2 draw.

Interstat’s game simulator had projected a 1-1 draw for the match, while Interstat’s ELO system gave Milton Keynes Dons a 92.80 percent probability to win.