Carlisle United returned to winning ways as they comfortably beat MK Dons 3-0, a result that helps them pull away from the League One relegation battle.

Graham Kavanagh's men enjoyed the best of the chances in the early stages as Sean O'Hanlon twice tried his luck to no avail.

The only opportunity of note in the opening minutes for the Dons fell to Dele Alli, but his shot was high and wide of the Carlisle goal.

Indeed, despite United's continued pressure in attack, it took until 38 minutes for the Blues to break the deadlock when James Berrett's pass reached Lee Miller and the forward put his shot beyond the reach of keeper David Martin.

As the interval approached, David Amoo's cross was met by Brad Potts and his finish put Carlisle in control of the game.

The hosts were unwilling to rest on their two-goal lead, as they looked to put the game beyond doubt straight after the interval.

Both Berrett and Tom Lawrence saw their shots fly wide of the Dons goal, while Karl Robinson's men were unable to offer a response.

The Blues found a third just before the hour mark when Berrett's corner reached Amoo six yards out and the midfielder tucked the ball past a besieged Martin in the visitors' goal.

MK Dons desperately tried to fight back, but failed to register enough shots on target as Carlisle held on for the win.

The defeat means the Northamptonshire club have mustered just three away wins from 14 in League One this season and lie 10th in the division.