Comeback kings MK Dons secured promotion to League 1 and put one hand on the League 2 title after twice coming from behind to win a thriller at Stockport.

Paul Ince's men twice hit back within a minute of falling behind in an incredible game to rubber stamp a top three finish this season, ending the Hatters' 10-game unbeaten run in the process.

First Mark Wright cancelled out Liam Dickinson's 30th-minute opener with a fine strike from the edge of the area, before Alan Navarro repeated the trick after substitute Adam Proudlock had regained the lead for the home side.

A quite brilliant third goal, fittingly scored by inspirational captain Keith Andrews, saw the Dons claim a tremendous victory and put themselves one win away from being crowned champions to boot.

Having twice failed to put the seal on their passage to League 1 at home, their was an element of destiny about Ince's away-day specialists clinching promotion on their travels.

Dons manager Paul Ince celebrates with Danny Swailes after the game.

This was their 17th away win of the season - a figure unmatched in any division - and showed all the battling qualities and outstanding character that has made the Dons' the most feared travellers in the country.

For once the underdogs on an awful pitch against a Hatters side with nine wins in their last 10, Ince's warriors produced a classic performance of guts, determination and high-quality football to deservedly book a place in the next flight.

It was a wonderful game filled with drama, cracking goals and some really decent play which, given the state of the pitch, was a credit to both sides.

The surface both contributed to an detracted from the excitement - forcing mistakes from both sides whilst hindering both teams' efforts to pass the ball.

Keith Andrews battles with Anthony Pilkington.

Dickinson fired wide of Willy Gueret's goal after Anthony Pilkington had created the first half-chance on 22 minutes as Stockport marginally had the better of the opening exchanges and it was the Hatters' leading scorer that gave them the lead.

Sean O'Hanlon and Wright both had a bite at clearing a high ball into the Dons area but, as they failed, the ball bounced favourably for Dickinson.

Nipping in behind Jude Stirling, the striker needed no second invitation as he stabbed the ball past the advancing Gueret from eight yards.

Coupled with Peterborough taking the lead at Hereford moments before, it was a big goal for Stockport in their pursuit of third place, but their celebrations were cut short within seconds.

Mark Wright curls in the Dons' first equaliser.

Wright fed Andrews on the right almost straight from the kick-off and as the Dons skipper carried the ball across the edge of the area, doors seemed to be closing rather than opening.

So he shifted the ball to Wright alongside him, who unleashed a superb curling effort that flew into John Ruddy's top right-hand corner for Wright's 15th goal of the season.

It caused a shift in momentum as the Dons started to enjoy the better of things in midfield towards the break - Navarro and Andrews getting the better of Stockport playmaker Gary Dicker and Dickinson quelled a little by O'Hanlon and Danny Swailes.

Even Stevens at the break and it remained that way immediately afterwards until Proudlock's introduction off the bench just before the hour mark.

Mark Wright celebrates his 15th goal of the season.

On to replace Pilkington just two minutes previously, the maverick midfielder hadn't touched the ball when Dominic Blizzard out muscled Navarro and shifted the ball his way.

But with one perfectly-timed swing of his left boot Proudlock left Gueret standing and arrowed a half-volley into the bottom corner from 18 yards.

You'd have thought the home side would have learned a lesson from the first goal but, as Navarro charged through the midfield almost straight away, they were left exposed once more.

Ruddy did well to save the former Macclesfield man's first shot, but Navarro made no mistake with the follow up as he buried his third goal of the season in front of the near-800 strong MK Army.

Alan Navarro draws the teams level for a second time.

Stockport boss Jim Gannon must have been scratching his head at how his side could throw away two leads so quickly.

The crowd too were getting frustrated and the temperature inside Edgeley Park really started to rise.

Stirling got away with a shirt-pull on Tommy Rowe having already been booked before Aaron Wilbraham was whistled for what looked a good turn to put him in the clear and the referee Rob Shoebridge found angry faces everywhere he turned.

Dean Lewington squandered a great chance to put the Dons in front after being set up by Andrews following a great move between Lloyd Dyer and Wilbraham down the left.

Aaron Wilbraham back at the club that gave him his debut.

In a more advanced role after Kevin Gallen's replacement, Andrews too should have put them in the lead when he shot straight at Ruddy after a one-two in the box with Wilbraham, but the skipper made up for it on 74 with a goal fit to win such a game.

Hatters' defender Gareth Owen lost control for just a moment on the halfway line and Andrews was on him in a flash to steal the ball away before racing through on goal.

With defenders breathing down his neck and Ruddy on his way out to meet him, the ice-cool Irishman simply chipped the on-loan Everton 'keeper from just outside the box and wheeled away as the ball nestled in the back of the net.

It was the classiest of finishes from the classiest of players, but things got ugly in a hurry.

Dons supporters celebrate after the final whistle.

Obviously provoked by the reaction of someone on the Dons bench, Gannon was on his feet ready to roll his sleeves up before Ince calmed him down. Quite what was said was unclear but Gannon was fuming and seemed to be channelling plenty of aggression in Dyer's direction.

It prompted some ugly exchanges on the pitch too as first Jemal Johnson was booked for a poor challenge on Jamie Smith, and then Jason Taylor was given the same reprimand for a lunge on Lewington.

But the visitors defended with immense courage with O'Hanlon in particular outstanding - his performance typified by a brilliant block on Rowe after Proudlock had given him space in the box.

The final whistle brought mass celebrations on the pitch from Ince, his players and his staff as their top priority for the season was secured.

Dons Chairman Pete Winkelman celebrates a job well done.

Rarely has the Dons boss lost his cool this season but his reaction with the fans was plain as day - it meant the world to the young manager as he added a promotion to his increasingly impressive managerial CV.

A win at Bradford next week would see the League 2 championship join the Johnstone's Paint Trophy in the club's new cabinet at stadiummk.

But for now, promotion is everything Dons fans could ask from their marvellous team.

Stockport County: Ruddy, Shaleum Logan (Gleeson 70), James Smith, Owen, McNulty, Pilkington (Proudlock 56), Taylor, Dicker, Blizzard, Rowe, Dickinson.

Subs Not Used: Rose, Conrad Logan, Lowe.

Booked: Shaleum Logan, Taylor.

Goals: Dickinson 30, Proudlock 58.

MK Dons: Gueret, Stirling, Lewington, O'Hanlon, Swailes, Wright (Regan 90), Navarro, Andrews, Dyer (Johnson 71), Wilbraham, Gallen (Hadfield 67).

Subs Not Used: Miles, Abbey.

Booked: Stirling, Swailes, Johnson.

Goals: Wright 31, Navarro 59, Andrews 74.

Attendance: 8,838

Referee: Rob Shoebridge (Derbyshire)