It was a happy return to south Wales for former Cardiff City player Callum Paterson
MK Dons fought back to avoid a shock at battling Newport County with former Cardiff City players providing both their goals in south Wales.
Summer loan signing from Manchester United Habeeb Ogunneye gave the hosts early hope at Rodney Parade.
Ogunneye hit home from a tricky angle off the assist provided by another loan recruit, Swansea City's Ben Lloyd.
But all the Exiles' good work was undone when referee Stuart Morland awarded a late first-half penalty for an alleged jersey tug in the box by Lee Jenkins on Jack Sanders that did not provoke any appeals from Dons players.
Former Cardiff City striker Nathaniel Mendez-Laing made no mistake from the penalty spot.
Another ex-Bluebird, Callum Paterson, put Dons ahead after the break with a header - the Scotland international's third goal of the campaign.
At the other end the drama continued with Luke Offord penalised for a handball by Morland only for Bobby Kamwa to hit the post from the spot.
Soon after Newport were again left frustrated as Matt Smith's shot narrowly missed the target and the visitors held out.
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