Charlton retained top spot in League One with a hard fought point at Stadium MK on Tuesday night.

Very much a game of two halves last night. MK Dons are a side – like the Addicks – who like to pass the ball around. In the first half they were quick, incisive and used the full width of the pitch to cause the Addicks no end of problems.

By contrast, Charlton looked hurried and disjointed, the central defenders were being pulled around and Stephens and Hollands were not able to exert their usual influence in midfield. Scott Wagstaff had an evening to forget and was, perhaps, fortunate not to be subbed at half-time.

The Dons scored from a contentious penalty after 21 minutes. Chris Solly did make some sort of contact with Dean Lewington but whether it was inside or outside the box is a moot point. Shaun Williams despatched the spot-kick with aplomb.

Charlton got to grips more with the Dons five man midfield after the break. Hollands and Stephens pushed further up and stifled much of the slick passing that had caused problems in the first period.

Midway through the half, Danny Green came on for Wagstaff and five minutes later Yann Kermorgant replaced Paul Hayes, changes that were to prove vital.

Almost immediately Kermorgant put a header from a left-wing cross wide, and will probably feel he should have done better. Four minutes after his introduction though, the Frenchman grabbed the equaliser.

A sublime bit of skill by Green saw the winger drop his shoulder and spin away from his marker. With acres of space to run into, Green delivered the perfect cross for Kermorgant to stoop and head home via David Martin at the near post .

Either side could have won it in the final few minutes as the game opened up. There were good chances at both ends but they all went begging.

A little further south, Preston won by the odd goal in seven at Wycombe, to move within two points of the Addicks with a game in hand.

Charlton: Hamer; Solly, Taylor, Morrison, Wiggins; Wagstaff (Green 67), Stephens, Hollands, Jackson; Hayes (Kermorgant 72), Wright-Phillips (Hughes 88).

Subs (not used): Sullivan, Cort, Hughes.

Goal: Kermorgant 76.

MK Dons: Martin; Chicksen, Flanagan, Beevers, Lewingtin; Chadwick, Potter, Gleeson, Williams, Balanta (Bowditch 59); Morrison (Powell 67).

Subs (not used): McLoughlin, Kouo-Doumbe, McNamee.

Goal: Williams 21 (pen).

Booked: Morrison 54 (foul)

Referee: Roger East (Wiltshire).

Attn: 8,114