Jason Banton's first-half solo strike had put the visitors in front but Harry Pell equalised almost immediately to level matters.
After the break the hosts seemed the more likely to find a winner as substitute Jessie Darko and Sammy Moore both went close.
But after a nervy finale Ardley was only taking the positives on a night when relegation rivals Barnet and Accrington both stole a march on the Dons.
"I knew this game was going to be one of, if not the toughest, of our run-in and I think we deserved that point," he said.
"We had to dig deep out there. A lot of the players are struggling. I just sensed we were lacking the edge we have had in recent weeks.
"We keep sending out the same boys and we will need to keep working hard on their recovery in time for the weekend.
"The goal we conceded was disappointing as I felt we were on top but the way we responded so quickly was pleasing. We needed to get that point and we certainly had to work for it but we got it in the end.
"It certainly was not pretty. Both sides knew what was at stake but this is a good point for us."
