Neal Ardley was left to rue missed chances at Cambridge that would have edged Dons closer to League Two's play-off places.

It hardly helped Ade Akinfenwa saw his penalty saved in the 46th minute.

James Shea brilliantly kept his sheet clean at the other end with a second spot-kick stop for a 0-0 draw.

Miss: Akinfenwa

But Ardley was in no doubt about the better on the night.

“Everyone in the dressing room is disappointed,” he said. “I thought that in open play we were much the better team. They carried a threat from set-pieces, but I was delighted with our boys.

“It was a high level of performance. I cannot fault them and the only thing I was disappointed with is that we did not get a goal from one of the numerous great positions that we got ourselves in. I thought we were excellent.

“Cambridge had a 15-20 minute spell in the first half when they threatened from set-pieces and the same in the second half, but we were much better than them all around the park.

Save: James Shea

“Some of our play in the first half was exceptional. Alfie Potter and Jack Smith carved them open on the left flank time and time again. It was just our final ball and finishing that we were lacking.”

Apart from the attacking threat, the AFC manager nodded approvingly in the direction of academy product Tom Beere.

“Tom came in at right midfield and had an excellent game,” added Ardley.

“He got into some great positions. In the long-term I think Tom is going to be a better central midfielder, but he can certainly play this role well.”