The Silkmen travelled to League leaders MK Dons this evening and picked up another impressive point on the road. Michael Symes had given Macc an early lead, but despite an equaliser and intense pressure from the home side, the spoils were shared.

The new home of The Dons, Stadium:MK is a brand new, double tiered, all-seater stadium which wouldn't look out of place in The Premier League, let alone League Two. At present, the top tier remains under construction with seats yet to be installed, but the bowl-like lower tier is amazing with every seat padded.

A fortunate injury list allowed Ian Brightwell to name the same team that picked up an impressive point at Darlington on Saturday, meaning Francis Green, Luke Dimech & Levi Reid remained on the bench. impressive Ryan Cresswell again partnered Sean Hessey at the heart of defence, which alongside Neil Ashton, James Ashmore & Michael Symes gave The Silkmen five loanees amongst the starting line-up.

Former Macclesfield boss Paul Ince made one change to his side with veteran striker Kevin Gallen starting ahead of Jemal Johnson. The Dons side contained a couple of familiar faces with ex-Macclesfield Danny Swailes & Alan Navarro included. Other former Silkmen Jordan Hadfield & John Miles were not included in the sixteen.

Once underway, the game couldn't of got off to a better start.Just 3 minutes into the game The Silkmen found themselves ahead thanks to a stunning strike from Michael Symes. Dons 'keeper Willy Gueret controlled a backpass, and under pressure from Martin Gritton cleared only to Symes who controlled on his chest and coolly lobbed the ball into the unguarded net from 40 yards. It was a superb finish from the frontman whos composure allowed him to notch his first goal for the club.

On 7 minutes Macc were soon pressing for a second - A floated ball into box found Gritton who chested down to Dunfield but his driven effort which was well blocked by Swailes.

Moments later, MK Dons created their first attack with some patient approach play in midfield. The ball was eventually shifted wide to Mark Wright whos deep cross found the unmarked Aaron Wilbraham who headed just over. The home side soon crafted another attack, leading to Wilbraham breaking clear but a tremendous challenge from Dunfield prevented a shot on goal.

Martin Gritton was causing the Dons defence real problems with his hold up play and he was the architect of a great chance on 19 minutes that nearly saw The Silkmen double their lead.His neat control and lay off found Dunfield who fed Thomas, but Gueret parried the winger's near post shot wide.

MK Dons looked very comfortable in possession and dangerous in attack, but Macclesfield were giving a good account of themselves and were the more threatening team on the break.

A superb pass from Ashton on 22 minutes set Thomas away down let wing.Thomas controlled well & delivered a low cross into the box but Gritton failed to get enough power on his shot to trouble Gueret.

On 25 minutes MK came close again, but once more they failed to test Jon Brain, as Keith Andrews hooked his low shot wide. As the home side continued to press, two successive Lewington corners flashed right across the face of goal - Izak Reid managed to touch the first behind before the second evaded everyone and drifted to safety.

MK Dons continued to have plenty of possession, but Macc continued to defend superbly well with every player prepared to put their foot in where it hurts for the good of the team.

After taking the lead Macc had created a couple more real chances, but MK's dominance grew as the half progressed. A chorus of boos from the home fans greeted the half time whistle.

Paul Ince made two half time changes - Drisso Diallo & Mark Wright were replaced by Jude Sterling & Jemal Johnson as the league leaders went in search of an equaliser to prevent a fourth successive defeat.

Unfortunately for Macc, an early second half goal was soon to get The Dons right back in the game as Sean O'Hanlon fired them level on 50 minutes. Some good defensive work from Danny Thomas lead to corner on left, and from the resulting delivery O'Hanlon pounced to fire the loose ball into the roof of the net.

From the moment the equaliser went in the game become a defensive test for Macclesfield as MK Dons mounted attack after attack and really pushed for a winner. A scramble in the box saw Hessey block from Gallen and then Dunfield pounce to prevent Wilbraham before Gallen fired high & wide from 8 yards when he should've hit the target.

Macc continued to defend superbly with several players pressing every ball. Terry Dunfield really stood out in midfield and was The Silkmen's outstanding player.

Just before the hour, a good through ball from Thomas freed Symes, but Swailes cynically pulled him back and was booked. Dunfield curled the resulting free kick around the wall but Gueret was on hand to palm over.

Francis Green replaced Martin Gritton midway through the second half who was suffering from some stiffness in his back. Ian Brightwell confirmed after the game that it did only appear to be stiffness and he is hopeful the striker will be involved in Saturday's game.

As the game went on, Macclesfield attacks became fewer & further between.Izak Reid's ambitious shot on 65 minutes was the most notable but it never looked to be troubling the 'keeper. MK Dons had complete control of the game by this stage and were creating numerous decent chances. However thanks to a combination of superb defending and the home side's tendency to miss the target, Brain was barely tested.

With just over 10 minutes left on the clock, Dunfield was booked for persistent infringement. Although he had committed several fouls, he was unfortunate that the one that lead to his booking looked extremely harsh.

Lewington's set pieces created several near misses for The Dons and it was another one of his deliveries that very nearly lead to a winner. Much like his earlier corners, an inswinging free-kick sailed right across goal, somehow missing everyone when the slightest of touches would've resulted in a goal.

As time ticked on, a rare counter attack from Macc saw substitute Green cut in from left wing but his powerful shot drifted narrowly over.

The last five minutes saw an influx of substitutions, with Levi Reid & Nick Blackman replacing Izak Reid & Michael Symes for Macc & Colin Cameron replacing Alan Navarro for Milton Keynes.

Inside the last minute as MK pushed everyone forward for a corner, Macc gained possession and set off on a counter attack. Green outpaced his marker but as he reached the halfway line with options either side he misplaced his pass.

The officials indicated there would be 4 minutes added time, but after a Brain was booked for time wasting, and the clock reached 96 minutes, the home side were still pushing for a winner. With virtually the last action of the evening Brain came for cross, punched unconvincingly, but was on hand to make a superb save from the follow up shot.

It was a superb performance and an excellent point gained in a game where Macclesfield showed how well they can defend as well as how dangerous they can be on the counter attack. To remain unbeaten & pick up five points from consecutive away games with Peterborough, Darlington & MK Dons is a huge achievement which will give the squad the belief that they are good enough to push for a top half finish.

Nick Brooks