by Neil Weld
A late equaliser from substitute George Branford rescued Pompey a point at the Wellington Sports Ground.
An exquisite strike from Ashley Harris (pictured) had given the Blues an excellent start and things got even better when Andrew Higgins doubled their advantage.
But Alex Grant inadvertently put the ball into his own net just before the interval and second-half goals from George Williams and Ryan Plowright saw MK Dons leading as the game entered the final stages.
However, Branford struck with just eight minutes remaining to secure a second successive draw for Pompey.
Academy manager Andy Awford said: “We played really well in the first half and went ahead through Ashley’s over-head kick from about 18 yards out. It was a wonderful goal and he showed fantastic ability and agility.
“Then we scored again with a cool finish from Andy after some nice build-up play. It was great to see us have an end product to our play and we looked comfortable.
“But suddenly they nick one back after some sloppy defending and we go in at the break wondering how we’re only one goal ahead.
“That goal changes everything and before long we’re 3-2 down and MK Dons are looking like they’re going to win with ease.
“But we dug in and George equalises with a nice strike from the edge of the area. After that there were chances for both sides and the game could have gone either way.
“It’s disappointing to be two goals ahead and not win the game but there’s also a sense of relief that we got something after being 3-2 behind.”
Pompey: Farmer; Magri (c), Webster, Grant, Butler; Colson (Branford 34), Awford, Burns (Maloney 59); Wheeler (Triggs 90), Higgins; Harris
Sub not used: Warren
MK Dons: Bragg; Spence (Lobjoit 46), Ivey-Ward (c), Milton, Walster; M.Ahmed, Powell (Williams 46), Gyasi (Galloway 82); Plowright, A.Ahmed; F.Ahmed
Subs not used: Burns, Osae