AFC Wimbledon manager Neal Ardley has challenged anyone to find a better midfield partnership in League Two than Dannie Bulman and Jake Reeves.

Bulman picked up the man of the match award for his part in the 2-0 victory against Hartlepool, with the pair’s work-rate particularly important in preventing any possible breakthroughs.

They have also started all but one of the Dons’ league campaign so far, leading to widespread praise for the English pair.

Ardley said: “The pair of them in the middle are always running around. If there are a fitter two aerobically in the league then I’d like to see them.

“The way they work together is fantastic, you’d think they had been together for a lot longer certainly.

AFC Wimbledon defender dedicates goal to late Dad

Striker is not resting on his laurels

Crocked Dons striker would be welcome back at Ks​

“Their stats are amazing, the work-rate they give the side enables the wide men to do the work they need to do as well, as they know they are covered.

“We brought Reeves off in the Hartlepool game so he could get a standing ovation as I thought he was head and shoulders the best player out there at times.”

Reeves, 22, has featured every minute for his side this season, and has become a vital cog in Ardley’s machine since moving from Swindon in January.

Reeves added: “The partnership comes with games. We’ve had a lot of playing time together, we’ve played a lot this season and starting to build up a good relationship on and off the pitch.

“Luckily the gaffer has allowed us to build that and I hope we’re repaying that faith. If come the end of the season we’re described as the best pair then we certainly won’t be complaining put it that way.”

The Dons host Forest Green Rovers this weekend in the first round proper of the FA Cup.