The former Walsall midfielder found the back of the net with just six minutes remaining after the hosts had made life difficult for their promotion-chasing visitors.
And how Paul Ince's MK Dons' side needed their substitute's timely intervention, having been frustrated away from home against a side 16 places below them in League Two.
Wright's winner was his 14th goal of the season and also his sixth goal in his last five games.
A heated match between the two sides saw five players booked by referee Eddie Ilderton, but it was Stanley manager John Coleman who came off the worst after a clash with Ince.
Coleman was banished to the stand by the Tyne and Wear official after a heated row with his opposite number.
However, despite defeat Coleman could take plenty of positives from a dogged display from his side as they made life tough for the league leaders.
As early as the fifth minute Ian Craney went close with a powerful shot for the hosts, while Lloyd Dyer fired a strong shot straight at Stanley keeper Kenny Arthur.
David Brown forced Dons keeper Willy Gueret to make a smart stop in the 19th minute, before Jay Harris fired over a minute later as Stanley countered.
Sean O'Hanlon squandered two excellent chances for the visitors as Dons looked to make their dominance of possession pay, but he headed over and wide in the first and second half respectively.
Arthur saved well from Aaron Wilbraham and Kevin Gallen fired over the crossbar, but Ince's charges could find no way through.
However, having replaced John Miles, Wright proved his worth to his manager and his team-mates just as a draw looked likely.
A pinpoint pass from Dean Lewington saw Wright break free and he kept his cool to fire past the helpless Arthur.
It was rough justice on Stanley, but Ince won't mind that one bit as his team march towards the title.