The MK Dons extended their unbeaten run to five games with a battling defensive peformance at the Racecourse Ground. Skipper Ben Chorley and the rest of the back four were in command throughout, and keeper Matt Baker was only called into serious action a couple of times on his return to his former club.

At the other end, the MK Dons created plenty of chances, particularly during the second half, and though the point was a welcome return, with slightly better luck in finishing the Dons could have returned home with all three in the bag.

Bringing in Gareth Edds to replace the injured Paul Mitchell in midfield, the Dons looked solid from the start and the home team only threatened when right wing back Carlos Edwards was on the ball. Juan Ugarte headed weakly at Baker, but apart from that chances were at a minimum as the first half failed to set the pulses racing.

Izale McLeod created the main talking point when getting booked for simulation after a challenge from Steve Roberts, but the striker's incredulous reaction to the caution was proof enough that the referee had nabbed the wrong man.

The second half, as at Walsall the previous week, was a far more entertaining affair.

The MK Dons came out with renewed energy and time and time again McLeod was set free to run at the static home defence. He screwed a couple of fine chances just wide, but the Dons suffered a blow after 54 minutes when Wade Small was carried off after a collision with keeper Ben Foster. It looked serious at the time, but later examination revealed nothing more than badly bruised ankle.

It was substitute Jason Puncheon who forged the clearest chance of the game when his stinging shot was fumbled by keeper Foster straight into the path of McLeod, whose half-hit rebound was booted off the line by Chris Morgan just before Dean Lewington could force it home.

Baker saved well from sub Hector Sam late on, and Chorley headed a Lewington corner straight at Foster. It was one of a number of chances the Dons could have taken, but the point gained ensured the unbeaten run continued and set Danny Wilson's team up well for the two crucial home games to come.