Chris Whelpdale scored his third goal of the season as Peterborough United earned a point at league leaders Milton Keynes Dons after a tight tussle at stadium: mk in front of over 14,500 supporters, including a superb 3,500 from London Road.

In front of a partisan crowd, which included over 3,500 from Peterborough United, Darren Ferguson's men got the game underway but they were soon on the back-foot as the Dons won the first corner kick of the evening which Aaron Wilbraham headed straight at Joe Lewis.

Paul Ince's men won a second corner moments later off Chris Westwood with the returning Danny Swailes seeing his near-post flick blocked. It was the hosts making all of the early running, winning their third flag-kick on 10 minutes, but it came to nothing.

The goal was in truth coming but when it came about it was because of a rare error by Westwood who was dispossessed by Jemal Johnson whose run and cross was converted at the back post by Aaron WILBRAHAM who had the simple task of sweeping the ball past Lewis.

The Dons continued to press after making the breakthrough as Posh struggled to get to grips with the slick passing style of the hosts. Jamie Day was putting some good balls into the box when Posh did find room on the left-hand side, one centre just eluding Craig Mackail-Smith at the far post before Danny Swailes hacked it clear.

George Boyd then fired into the side-netting on 20 minutes with goalkeeper Willy Gueret untroubled. Aaron Mclean saw a shot blocked moments later after a good chest-down by Mackail-Smith as Posh grew in confidence.

That confidence was rewarded on 26 minutes as a delightful cross from Dean Keates picked out winger Chris WHELPDALE and he powered a header past Gueret and into the far corner of the net.

Gnakpa was cautioned two minutes later, which will culminate in a two-match suspension for the Frenchman as it was his 10th booking of the campaign. Mackail-Smith screwed a shot well wide of the near post following a Whelpdale long-ball as the home faithful were silenced.

An injury to Mackail-Smith brought a halt to proceedings on 33 minutes as the striker pulled up with what appeared to be a hamstring pull. He was soon replaced by Scott Rendell - a fine opportunity for the striker to fire himself into Posh folklore.

Jemal Johnson curled a shot well over the crossbar on 43 minutes after a patient build-up created a piece of space for the striker. Two minutes of injury time was signalled by the fourth official and after a mundane period of action, referee Mr Walton brought an end to the first period.

The Dons won the first corner of the second period after a fine piece of defending from Day stopped Dyer making his way into the penalty box, but Cameron's set-piece came to nothing.

Morgan was cautioned for a challenge on Wilbraham after a poor ball from Hyde was capitalised on by the Dons striker 25-yards from goal. Johnson sent a cross-shot agonisingly wide of the target with Dyer closing in at the far post as the Dons looked lively on the break.

Andrews received a caution for a late challenge on Hyde - his 13th booking of the season. A deflected shot from Morgan was well held by Gueret after Rendell had played a smart ball into the onrushing centre back's path.

A shot on the turn from Rendell was well saved by Gueret after a neat flick from Mclean into his strike partner's path. Morgan produced a superb last-ditch tackle to deny substitute Kevin Gallen after Westwood had missed his attempted tackle.

A facial injury to Drissa Diallo, which was sustained in a collision with shot-stopper Gueret halted proceedings on 69 minutes, but he was soon up on his feet when he saw the stretcher heading his way.

Lewis had Posh hearts a flutter on 72 minutes as he fumbled a Dyer shot around the post. The Dons missed a clear-cut chance to go back in front on 80 minutes as the ball ran kindly for Wilbraham but he fired well wide of the target.

Boyd shot straight at Gueret from long-distance after turning Andrews on the half-way line before Jude Stirling came off the bench to replace the stricken Diallo. Three minutes of added time was indicated by the fourth official as both sides went for the win.

Boyd was cautioned for a foul late on as the pressure began to mount on Posh and in the dying seconds Gallen rolled a shot literally an inch past the post as the final chance came and went.

Final Score: MK Dons 1-1 Peterborough United

Referee: Mr P Walton (Northants)
Attendance: 14,521 (3,521 Posh fans)