Substitute Yann Kermorgant rescued a point for leaders Charlton at fellow high-flyers MK Dons.
MK Dons had the better start as Angelo Balanta and Clinton Morrison went close within the first five minutes.
The hosts deservedly had a first-half lead after Dean Lewington was brought down in the box by Matt Taylor and Shaun Williams converted the penalty.
Kermorgant, who had only been on the field three minutes, headed Charlton level from Danny Green's cross.
Mark Beevers had the best chance of the second half for MK Dons but put his free header wide.
Charlton's lead at the top of the League One table is cut to two points after Preston's thrilling 4-3 victory at Wycombe Wanderers.
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MK Dons assistant manager John Gorman told BBC Three Counties Radio:
"First half, without being disrespectful, I thought we totally outplayed them and I think 1-0 flattered them.
"To be fair, in the second half, Charlton did come out and forced some set plays.
"Funnily enough we had more clear-cut chances in the second half to finish the game."
