Justin Whittle, returning from a groin injury, replaced flu victim Andy Butler at the heart of the Town defence.

The fit again Paul Bolland returned to the Town midfield, at the expense of Danny Boshell. Kevin James started his third game since arriving on loan from Nottingham Forest.

Town's first real chance came on six minutes. Toner did well on the left, beat two defenders before finding Kevin James at the far post and his first time volley was gathered by Harper in the Don's goal.

Then Bore outpaced his man before dragging his shot wide of the far post.

At the other end Barnes had to be quick off his line to deny the dangerous McLeod, and it was all hands to the pumps as Town finally managed to clear a Dyer corner.

On 33 minutes the Mariners suffered a major blow as James fell awkwardly. The Forest loanee was carried off on a stretcher and Hegarty took his place.

Town could have gone behind just before the break. The highly rated frontman stepped inside a tackle, with the goal at his mercy, dragged his shot wide of Barnes' left-hand post.

But Town had a good chance soon after. Toner's cross was met by Hegarty in space, who stretched and glanced his header wide.

Half-Time: Grimsby Town 0 MK Dons 0

There was another injury concern for Town at the start of the second half as Peter Bore felt a players studs down the back of his calf and required lengthy treatment from Dave Moore.

The Mariners fell behind to a silly goal on 53 minutes. Town cleared a Dons' corner well but the ball was delivered back into the box to the unmarked McLeod to head past Barnes.

Seven minutes later it was 2-0, again poor defending by the Mariners. Smith's pass split the Town defence, Wilbraham ran on and beat Barnes at his near post.

On 78 minutes it was 3-0. An inswinging corner dropped into the centre of the Town box and Wilbraham reacted first to prod the ball home.