Boss Dave Anderson believes AFC Wimbledon demonstrated their progress by staying in the FA Trophy on Saturday.

They threw away a 2-0 lead against Tonbridge Angels, with early strikes from Luke Garrard and Paul Barnes cancelled out in the second half.

But the Dons dug in to win 3-2 after Angels defender John Beales scored an own goal.

It was a welcome return to winning ways following last week's FA Cup exit and set up a third qualifying round tie at home to Conference South strugglers Eastleigh.

"We would have lost this match last season, but we have got a much better spirit in the side this year," said Anderson.

"Our form was indifferent, but that was to be expected after the Exeter game. There was always going to be a hangover from the cup and we didn't really deserve to win.

"But we didn't take Tonbridge for granted. I had them watched and we knew they would be a good side.

"What made it more difficult was losing players to injury. I think people now realise why we worked so hard to build up such a big squad."

Barnes (knee), Roscoe D'Sane (hip) and Byron Bubb (back) were substituted with injuries, while Steve Watson was hampered by a virus and Andy Little tweaked his knee.

With Mark Rooney, Lewis Cook (both knee) and Richard Butler (groin) out of Saturday's trip to Harrow Borough, Anderson is hoping for a big effort from those promoted to the first team.

"If there is one league match I could choose to win this season it would be Harrow," he said. "It is my local team and I have had three spells there as assistant manager, so my life wouldn't be worth living if they beat us."