MK Dons are level in their League One clash with automatic promotion rivals Preston North End following a first half with plenty of chances for both sides.

Preston, who can leapfrog the Dons with a victory at Stadium MK, made a bright opening with Joe Garner given the chance to shoot at goal, only to blaze his effort over Ian McLoughlin's crossbar.

Karl Robinson's side also missed an early chance to take the lead when Dean Bowditch's strike drifted narrowly wide Sam Johnstone's goal.

The Buckinghamshire outfit had the best opportunity of the opening exchanges as Kyle McFadzean's shot from distance stung the palms of Johnstone as MK Dons tried to assert themselves on proceedings.

Preston, cheered on by 2,000 supporters who made the trip from Lancashire, threatened to score midway through the first half as Callum Robinson's strike was blocked before Daniel Johnson brought a save out of McLoughlin.

Just after the half-hour mark, Manchester City loanee Devante Cole came close to breaking the deadlock, but the forward fired wide of goal.

With half time approaching, Bowditch was again at the heart of a Dons attack as his shot was kept out by the busy Johnstone.

The first period finished at a frenetic pace as Preston's Scott Laird saw his effort saved before Carl Baker was denied at the other end.