Lively but goal-less between Dons and Northampton

MK Dons picked up another point on Tuesday night as they were held to a 0-0 draw with Northampton Town in a lively game at the PTS Academy Stadium.

While Fraser Horsfall had two great chances for the home side, Dons were left to rue a penalty decision which was not awarded, and a two-footed challenge on Ste Walker in the second half which went unpunished by referee Thomas Bramall.

After naming an unchanged side on Saturday for the visit of AFC Wimbledon, Russell Martin made three changes to his side to face Northampton, seeing Daniel Harvie, David Kasumu and Carlton Morris returning, with Matthew Sorinola, Lasse Sorensen and Ste Walker dropping to the bench.

The game started at a furious pace, and continued all the way to half time. Chances were few and far between though, but it was an intriguing battle in midfield as Jordan Houghton and David Kasumu tried to gain control of the affair for the visitors as Northampton sat deep and sought to catch Dons on the counter.

Carlton Morris came closest for Dons with a fierce strike inside the box, which needed Jonathan Mitchell to be on hand to punch clear, while Andrew Fisher almost spilt Danny Rose's strike from the edge of the box but gathered at the second attempt.

Dons were dealt a blow before the break though when Scott Fraser, who netted two in two games prior to kick-off, had to limp out after going down off the ball, replaced by Louis Thompson.

Northampton began to put the pressure on as the half drew to a close with some high balls into the penalty area, but it was Dons who ended the half on top with Cameron Jerome and Daniel Harvie both having sights of goal.

Cameron Jerome was denied what appeared to be a penalty early after the restart when he looked to be dragged back by Alan Sheehan as he shaped to shoot, but referee Thomas Bramall was unmoved despite the protests.

The half continued at a relentless pace, but the visitors were playing the better football despite not making the final ball count.

Northampto though had the two best chances of the half when defender Fraser Horsfall twice had headers on goal – the first he headed wide when left unmarked before a second crashed against the crossbar with 10 minutes remaining.

Referee: Thomas Bramall

Northampton Town: Mitchell, Harriman, Sowerby, Bolger, Horsfall, Hoskins, Watson (Adam 57), Smith, Rose (Ashley-Seal 77), Sheehan, Marshall (Holmes 58)

Subs not used: Arnold, Racic, Missilou, Chukwuemeka

MK Dons: Fisher, Lewington, Keogh, O'Hora, Poole, Harvie, Houghton, Kasumu (Gladwin 70), Fraser (Thompson 36), Morris, Jerome (Walker 70)

Subs not used: Nicholls, Williams, Sorensen, Sorinola

Booked: Sowerby, Kasumu, Jerome