MK Dons posted a brave second half showing but ended up 3-1 losers at Tottenham Hotspur on Friday afternoon.
Mike Dove's side seemed to show the North London outfit too much respect in the opening stages, and it took them a while to get into the game.
Spurs took advantage, starting brightly and taking the lead on 22 minutes with a good move down the right, ending with a cross for their unmarked striker, who finished into the corner, beating Dons keeper Rob Webb.
Just five minutes later and the lead was doubled with a 25-yard free-kick which beat the defensive wall and Webb.
It took 35 minutes for the Dons to get their first corner, which was testament to the awe in which the visitors seemed to be playing before the break.
After a half-time team-talk things changed though, with the Dons very much more on an even footing.
A succession or crosses and corners ensued, and Sam Baldock went close with a header on 55 minutes, Jamie England having an effort saved seconds later.
England then won the ball in midfield on 58 minutes drove forward and played the ball in for Baldock, who provided a cool finish to reduce the deficit - his 8th goal in four games.
At the other end Webb made a great save from close range on 63 minutes, and England was not far away from levelling on 77 minutes as his shot flew wide of the mark.
But on 81 minutes Spurs re-established their two-goal lead when a Spurs player was left unmarked from a corner, and his far post finish made it 3-1.
A great move from the Dons deserved a goal two minutes from time, Ted Day and Joe Howe both involved, Howe crossing for Baldock to rasp in a brilliant volley which was just off-target.
Team: Webb, Kent, Nash, Page, Collins, Howe, Morley (Murphy), Day, England, Battams (Lovegrove), Baldock. Not used: Flood.