Midfielder Paul Mitchell made his long-awaited return to action on Thursday night, playing 23 minutes for the Dons Reserves in a 3-1 defeat at Norwich.

Out since February 2007 with a complicated ankle and leg break, Mitch finally laced up his boots again at Carrow Road in front of crowd of nearly 1,500.

After 14 months of intensive rehab, the 26-year-old came on as a second-half replacement for young Troy Farden, but was unable to prevent a defeat at the hands of the Canaries.

Academy Director Mike Dove, who took the team on Thursday night, said: "Mitch came on and took up his usual position in front of the back four, it was great to see him back out on the pitch.

"He went looking for the ball, didn't hide from anyone and by the end of the game I think he wished he'd come on a bit sooner.

"He's a great personality to have around the younger lads and it's great to see him back in the game."

A young Dons side fell behind after 10 minutes when Norwich midfielder Damon Lathrope fired a fine strike past Kurt Fox from 25 yards.

Dons were up against it after a nervy start fell two behind on 22 minutes having been caught out of shape by a counter-attacking Norwich front-line. With Ollie Thorne having pushed forward to join an attack, the home side took advantage and Josh Dawkin was able to set up Danny Kelly to slot the second.

Dan Powell rifled Reis Ashraf's cross just over the bar on 32 minutes before Sam Baldock's dribble caused some panic in the Norwich defence, as the Dons rallied before the break.

But the home side were back on top after half-time and Fox had to be at his best to deny former Dons loanee Bally Smart, before tipping substitute Nick Davey's curling shot onto the post.

Dawkin made it three with 20 minutes to go with an angled drive but Baldock was able to salvage some pride for the young Dons with a fine curling effort three minutes later.

Mike added: "We were a little panicky in the first half and didn't really show enough composure when they came at us early, that's when they did most of the damage.

"We started to put a few bits and pieces together in the second half of the first period when we matched them and started to trust each other in possession a bit more.

"There was a big crowd there for a reserve game which might have got to some of the younger lads a little bit but that's all part of learning."

Dons: Fox, Chicksen, Thorne, Flanagan, Collins, Farden (Mitchell 67), Kelly, Shuter, D. Powell (Dowling 80), Ashraf (M. Powell 57), Baldock.

Subs not used: Heald

Attendance: 1,373