Two second-half goals handed Stockport a 2-0 League One victory over Wimbledon to strengthen their hold on fifth spot and leave their opponents just three points off the relegation zone.
Josh Stokes and Tayo Edun caused the damage against south London side at Plough Lane as County remain in the play-offs with five matches remaining.
Wycombe loanee James Tilley forced Stockport goalkeeper Corey Addai to turn around his shot to safety after 33 minutes following a well-worked short corner routine with Jake Reeves.
Adama Sidibeh should have done better for the visitors just moments later after a break, but his effort was tamely aimed at Dons goalkeeper Nathan Bishop.
Aron Sasu forced Addai into a one-handed stop after a run – just a minute after the restart – while Tilley dragged a 51st-minute effort wide after a mistake by Edun.
However, Stockport took a 58th-minute lead, when substitute Stokes was left unmarked to head home an Ollie Norwood free-kick.
The three points looked set to return to the north west after 72 minutes when Edun turned in the area and curled the ball past the outstretched Bishop.
To their credit, Wimbledon did make an attempt at a late push for a comeback, but the away side held firm.
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