RIVALS SHOULD BOTH BE IN THE SHAKE-UP

ON PAPER, this looked like a game between two well-matched teams – and that is exactly how it panned out.

Both are perennial promotion contenders and, on this evidence, the pair will be there or there- abouts come May once again.

Preston, even without top scorer Joe Garner, will feel that they had the chances to win this game and enjoyed plenty of success by playing a more direct style up to Kevin Davies and Jermaine Beckford.

Dons were troubled defensively, especially in the second half, but to set an unbeaten run of ten games in League One is a remarkable achievement.

The division’s top scorers had difficulty creating much against a solid Preston defence and Karl Robinson will be pleased they managed to come away with a point.

Dons remain third, ahead of Preston only on goal difference.

Both sides will expect to be firmly inside that top six come the end of the season.