The Sheffield United supporters were in high spirits, following the news of a very large cash investment which is to be announced days later and the signing of Oldham midfielder Jose Baxter would liven up the team.
But it was to be a frustrating day once again, the Dons netted a late winner and with moments spare in the game Febian Brandy was handed a straight red card and will now miss the next three away games at Scunthorpe United (JPT), Rotherham United and Carlisle United.
The Dons came with a reputation of being a good passing team and were considered dangerous and posed tricky opposition. It was the hosts who made a better start to the match but it wasn't until the 15th minute that Martin in the opposition goal was forced into a save when he smothered the ball at Baxter's feet.
McLeod, a former striker with the Blades had earlier nominated himself for 'donkey of the year' following his untimely miss, opting to fire at an angle at his near post when a square ball across the box could have seen them take the lead in the first half.
United had gone into this match on the back of a 2-0 defeat at Bradford City and Baxter's arrival was to set the midfield alight and whilst the Blades didn't win this match it was clear that his signing made a clear difference and the team looked much sharper in the middle - but lacked conviction in attack.
Throughout the match there was continuous rivalry between McMahon and the opposition, Carruthers receiving a booking for a challenge on the former Middlesbrough defender.
Lyle Taylor and Baxter both fired wide as United pressed on before the half-time whistle blew.
After the break Dons defender Hodson posed calm skill as he powered forward and unleashed a telling cross into the box, the ball fell with relief into George Long's hands but was a sign of pressure from the visitors.
At the other end Taylor dragged his shot wide and Baxter saw his shot blocked before Joe Ironside was introduced on the 58th minute (replacing Taylor). Ryan Flynn was cautioned for diving after being tangled up in the box with Weir looked less pleased.
Luke Chadwick entered the field, replacing McLeod on 62 minutes before Brandy made way for Murphy. It was clear from the off that Brandy was a marked man. He produced mazy run which ended in a rash challenge by Williams and a yellow card for his troubles.
For the first time in the game United looked dangerous, Baxter slipped as he was about to fire the trigger from Flynn's drag back from the edge of the box and his effort was quickly charged down. Banton was substituted for the Dons on 71st minute with Alli coming on.
Brandy danced through the Dons defence and found young Ironside but with his back to goal was unable to create a formidable scoring opportunity. The Dons made their last sub of the day; Carruthers making way for Baldock before Bamford skewed wide.
David Webb, the match official continuously spoiled play when his whistle happy approach allowed free-kicks to be given on what was otherwise considered 50/50 challenges and a stop in play was ordered. Earlier in the game McLeod had missed an excellent chance to score but his misfired effort was to be outdone by Brandy, the former Walsall striker who's day wasn't to be a happy one. The ball was laid across the box by Flynn and after Ironside stretched to meet Brandy was unmarked at the far post and with the keeper stranded looked a certain goal until he hit wide at his near post with the goal at his mercy.
This missed opportunity would cost United dearly, two minutes later a free-kick was given 15 yards outside the box, Williams floated in and a timed run saw KAY unmarked as he headed across Long's goal and with a slight aid of the post nestled coolly into the net.
In an ounce of desperation McFadzean was introduced to replace Flynn in added on time and in a rash (and stupid) challenge Brandy was red carded for a challenge on Hodson.