Payne struck from the spot in the fourth minute of added time to clinch victory for United, after substitute Kyreece Lisbie had been fouled in the box.

Colchester came close to scoring midway through the first half when Kane Vincent-Young’s delivery almost caught out Dons keeper Craig MacGillivray, who just about kept the ball out on the line.

Arthur Read and Samson Tovide both shot wide for Colchester while Jon Mellish missed a good chance for MK Dons from Gethin Jones’ cross and United goalkeeper Matt Macey denied Aaron Collins’ strike.

MacGillivray made a good save down low at his near post to deny Read early in the second half while, at the other end, Macey pulled off a fine double stop from Rushian Hepburn-Murphy and Liam Kelly.

MacGillivray saved from Lisbie in a one-on-one near the end, before Payne struck.