TOWN made two changes from the side that were defeated at Notts County last week, a fit again Peter Bore replaced Peter Till on the right and Danny North coming in for Gary Jones in a 4-5-1 formation.

It was a great back to the wall performance by the Mariners against a very good MK Dons side -though Town defended well they also looked good going forward and caused the home side a few problems.

The was an early scare for Town when Platt got in front of Whittle in the box and the Town defender looked to have fouled the big striker. Amidst cries for a spot kick, the referee waved play on.

After good work by McLeod, Andrews hit a powerful goal bound volley, but Boshell threw himself in the way and blocked well.

But on 31 minutes, on a rare attacking move by Town, the Mariners took the lead. Newey picked up the ball on the left, put over a fantastic ball for Boshell, who hit a first time volley which fizzed past Harper in the MK Dons goal.

Town's hearts were in their mouths soon after when referee Mariner looked to have pointed for a penalty. But the kick was awarded right on the edge of the Town box, and the set piece came to nothing.

Minutes later Blizzard headed over from almost on the goal line.

The Mariners switched to a more conventional 4-4-2 formation.

Two minutes of stoppage time was added at the end of the first half.

And from a MK Dons free kick, O'Hanlon's back header went just over the bar.

There was still time for Newey to make a fantastic clearance to assure that the Mariners went into the break ahead.

Half-Time: MK Dons 0 Grimsby Town 1

Stirling and Knight replaced McGovern and Blizzard at the start of the second half as the home side looked to find a way back into the game.

And straight away Dyer had a chance but his effort was over the bar.

But the Mariners were 2-0 up on 53 minutes. Toner's corner was headed on by Fenton, the ball was cleared to Hunt who hit a first time volley into the net.

At this point the MK Dons had had 13 attempts on goal, Town 2.

Boshell found pushed a ball through into Bolland's pass on 63 minutes but, one on one with the keeper, the keeper managed to keep the ball out.

Minutes later Fenton had a chance to put Town three up but his header was just wide.

Town were under pressure and on 71 minutes the MK Dons pulled one back. The Dons were getting the ball into the box at every opportunity, and when a long throw wasn't cleared, Andrews hit a right footer into the far corner, past an un-sighted Barnes.

The Mariners broke away, and with North in an offside position, Till took the ball on and hit a thunderous shot against the crossbar.

Simon Grand replaced Fenton, who had been colossal alongside Whittle in the Mariners defence, on 74 minutes.

Till came on for Bore 2 minutes later.

After great play down the right by North and a great ball into Boshell, the Town midfielder struck his effort well but Harper produced a fine save to prevent Bosh from adding to Town's lead.

McLeod saw his shot go high and wide from a good position.

Young Ryan Bennett came on to make his Town debut on 88 minutes, replacing Danny Boshell.

Barnes got behind a shot from Andrews well on 84 minutes.

The fourth official signaled 4 minutes of added on time but the Mariners held on to dent the MK Dons' automatic promotion hopes. .