Macaulay Bonne and Scott Malone both benefited from those errors from Dons players, firing the Kent side 2-0 up before Ellis Harrison headed in late on to set up a potentially enthralling finale.
But a red card in stoppage time for Daniel Harvie put paid to any late chances for Graham Alexander’s side.
Here’s how we rated the players at Priestfield.
1. How the players rated against Gillingham
Priestfield proved to be an unhappy hunting ground for MK Dons again on Saturday Photo: Pete Norton
2. Top Don: Craig MacGillivray - 7
Made three excellent saves to keep his side in with a shot late in the game. Photo: Jane Russell
3. Warren O'Hora - 5.5
Was cut through a few times in the second-half especially, and looked like his head dropped after the first goal went in Photo: Jane Russell
4. Anthony Stewart - 5.5
Recovered well after his error led to the first goal Photo: Jane Russell