A poor team in form, against a better team effectively rebuilding from the impact of the transfer window, led to a dour stalemate of a match. Here's how we did:
Ben Alnwick 7: Some great saves including a superb block to stop what seemed like a certain goal in the first half. Alnwick helped keep us in the game in the second. Wasn't at fault for their goal.
Lawrie Wilson 5: Cruising for a solid 6, then the second half happened. A fading Long in front coupled with an increased MK tempo resulted in Wilson being overwhelmed. To make matters worse, a suspected torn hamstring forced him off with 10 minutes to go. With no direct replacement in the squad, Wilson is a big loss.
David Wheater 6: Wheats gave a solid performance. A rock in a sea of chaos in the second half.
Mark Beevers 6: Reliable and comfortable as ever in defence. However, he needs to cut out those 'Zat Knight' type 'passes' up field, that never reach their target and allow the opposition to come straight back on the attack.
Dean Moxey 5: A la Wilson. Cruising for a solid 6, then the second half happened. When the impressive Morais went off, Moxey went to pieces. For someone with his experience and pedigree, he can't handle playing with young players such as Clayton. It's just not good enough. Mass prayers in Bolton this weekend hoping that Taylor's injury is minor.
Derik Osede 6: Didn't let the side down and was okay. However, the magic many fans expected wasn't there and he didn't provide anything extra to the team. Subbed in the 78 minute.
Jay Spearing 7: Captain fantastic gave his all to ensure Bolton got something out of this game. Fortuitous goal maybe but if you don't try, you don't get. He was everywhere and put in some superb tackles. Jays commitment was summed up, when he made a point of running the length of the pitch to celebrate his goal with the Bolton fans.
Josh Vela 5: A steady first half although unable to provide any service to Madine. MK just ran past him in the second half. Our final remaining starlet needs to rediscover his form and fast.
Filipe Morais 7: The expected temporary stand in squad filler didn't turn up. Instead we had a great performance of decisive attacking wing play, at pace and panicking the Dons defence at every opportunity. Linked well with Moxey. Unsurprisingly, due to not being match fit, ran out of steam and came off on 56 minutes. Bolton wilted with his absence whilst MK made hay.
Chris Long 6: I haven't seen this kind of pace since Woolery left. Long scared the living daylights out of the MK Dons. Missed a sitter of a header in the first half though. Lack of match fitness took its toll in the second half and Long looked like what he was, a striker played out of position on the wing. Subbed in the 69 minute. Needs to be up front.
Gary Madine 5: Is he just a poor striker or is he a scapegoat for a team that just can't throw this dog a bone? Probably a bit of both. No shots on target or indeed threat to goal summed up his day.
Subs: Max Clayton 5: On in the 56 minute. Didn't click with Moxey. Didn't provide a threat up front. Wasted on the wing. Enough said.
Viv Solomon-Otabor: 20 mins not enough to show his worth or mark. Particularly when Bolton reduced to ten men. Glimpses of talent and rustiness in equal measure.
Adam Le God: Came on with just 12 minutes left. His second coming was ruined by Wilsons almost immediate enforced departure. ALF will no doubt be hoping for better luck in Bolton's next game.
Lots for Parky to chew on over this coming week, me thinks. Anyhow, do you agree or disagree with my marks, let me know below the line.