MK Dons missed the chance to go third after a 1-0 loss to Preston on Saturday evening.
Preston had a golden chance to open the scoring after just three minutes when Paul Coutts found Iain Hume, but the striker could not keep his header down.
The away side did take the lead, however, after seven minutes when Paul Parry headed home from close range.
Coutts continued to dominate proceedings as the half approached and he went close after 12 minutes when he rattled the post.
MK Dons started the second period the better and might have been level after 62 minutes when Luke Chadwick struck from distance, but Thorsten Stuckmann was on hand to push the ball wide.
The home side continued to push for the equaliser in the latter stages and Dean Lewington went close with a free-kick after 83 minutes, but Stuckmann was on hand once more.
MK Dons will look to return to winning ways when they travel to Leyton Orient on Monday, while Preston host Carlisle.
