Preston North End took a big step towards automatic promotion from League One after two goals in four minutes saw the Lilywhites beat MK Dons 2-0.

Strikes from Callum Robinson and Joe Garner send the Lancashire outfit move four points clear of Karl Robinson's men, who slip to fourth in the table.

The game began at a fast pace as Garner fired over for the visitors before Kyle McFadzean brought an early save out of Preston keeper Sam Johnstone.

North End's 2,000-strong support at Stadium MK were almost given reason to cheer when Daniel Johnson's strike forced a save out of Dons keeper Ian McLoughlin.

The hosts tried to force a half-time lead as Dean Bowditch and Carl Baker were denied by Johnstone.

After the interval, Preston showed adventure in attack as Garner narrowly missed the target and Paul Gallagher fired over.

However, Simon Grayson's men found a breakthrough midway through the second half when Robinson steered Garner's pass into the bottom corner of McLoughlin's net.

By the 70th minute, North End wrapped up the points when Gallagher's corner was bundled home by Garner.