Newport County were condemned to their 12th away defeat of the season as they were beaten 1-0 at promotion-chasing MK Dons to leave the threat of relegation looming even larger with just 15 games remaining.
The win extended MK Dons' unbeaten league run to seven matches, while Newport's winless streak stretched to five.
Harrogate's point at Chesterfield only worsened matters leaving County five points adrift at the bottom of League Two.
The Exiles were behind within a minute of this contest and once again it was self-inflicted.
Newport keeper Jordan Wright's poor clearance fell to the feet of former Exiles forward Aaron Collins who stroked the ball into the back of the net.
The Dons' domination only grew as they looked a particular threat from set-pieces with Wright atoning for his early error by bailing out Christian Fuchs' side countless times in the first half.
County introduced Harrison Biggins and Nathaniel Opoku at half-time, but the pattern of the match barely shifted, and MK Dons soon had a golden chance to double their lead.
Former Cardiff City striker Callum Paterson won a penalty after being caught by Wright, but the Newport keeper redeemed himself again by denying Paterson his 15th goal of the season.
Newport finally mustered their first touches inside the MK Dons penalty area in the 70th minute, when Biggins fired over from Anthony Glennon's cross.
But with zero shots on target and just three away league wins all campaign, their miserable form on the road continued.
Victory for MK Dons strengthens their impressive record at Stadium MK, where they have now collected 31 points from 16 home matches. They remain fifth, just one point off the automatic promotion places, as they continue their push for a League One return at the fourth attempt.
For Newport, the misery goes on. Bottom of the table, winless in five, and with no sign of respite as Fuchs' men now face another daunting trip on Tuesday night as they travel to play-off chasers Salford City.