MK Dons gave struggling Notts County an object lesson in how to win matches with a dramatic late victory at Meadow Lane.
This was Notts' fifth home defeat in the league and it came in the unluckiest of circumstances.
Notts had improved greatly in the second half after frequently being given the run around by MK Dons, who showed in the first 45 minutes why they are the leaders of League Two.
The visitors came back strongly after conceding the first goal as early as the ninth minute.
It was beautifully created by Andy Parkinson, who swept past Dean Lewington and crossing superbly for midfielder Richard Butcher to head home his eighth goal of the season.
MK Dons immediately moved up a gear and deservedly drew level on the quarter-hour mark.
A fine flowing move in which Kevin Gallen did a lot of the spade work was finished off by Mark Wright with a hesitant Notts defence seemingly expecting an offside decision.
The Dons went in search of a second goal with Colin Cameron their dangerman.
First he headed against Kevin Pilkington's left-hand post and then forced the Notts goalkeeper into a good reaction save.
It was much more even after the break and, although Pilkington had to parry from Gallen, Notts were also creating chances themselves.Jason Lee, who had just come off the bench, forced Willy Gueret to a save at the foot of his post with a strong header.
The save left Lee still looking for his first goal of the campaign.
The decisive moment came as the absorbing contest edged into stoppage time.
Gary Silk conceded a free-kick on the edge of his penalty area which resulted in an MK Dons corner.
This somehow found its way through to Jemal Johnson, who converted at short range with his first touch moments after coming off the bench.