MK Dons boss Liam Manning believes that his side's good start and ability to be versatile with their playing styles created nerves for Bolton Wanderers and helped the hosts on their way to three points.
Mo Eisa put the hosts ahead in a first half where for most of it, Wanderers were second best in the encounter at Stadium MK.
Amadou Bakayoko struck the bar with a powerful header from Declan John's corner before the break, before skipper Ricardo Santos headed over from another delivery in the second half as Bolton improved and sought to equalise.
READ MORE: Bolton Wanderers player ratings vs MK Dons - Kyle Dempsey and Ricardo Santos good in loss
But the hosts got their second goal when James Trafford's pass out from the back was pounced upon by Kaine Kesler Hayden and Scott Twine's deflected effort went in, as Wanderers now sit seven points from the play-off places.
The Dons, in contrast, are now level on points with second-placed Wigan Athletic after the Latics were beaten by Sunderland.
Manning was under no illusions of how difficult the clash against Ian Evatt's side would be, but believes that as the Dons started the encounter well and were able to mix up their playing styles, it created nerves in the Bolton ranks which he felt his side took advantage of.
Manning said: "We knew it would be a tough game. We knew they're on a really good run. We knew they had some real threats and I thought we did a good job, especially starting well. I think that makes them a little nervy when we're going through, round and over.
"I think that variation causes uncertainty in them and I thought the guys had got really good at that in terms of making good decisions.
"We'll hurt you on the back of you if that's where the space is, but at the same point, if you don't jump quite right, we'll also try to play through you.
"That comes from the players stepping up and taking accountability to own their decisions which is great to see, I love watching the guys."
