Jon Main insists he is taking nothing for granted this season - despite his goalscoring exploits last year.
The AFC Wimbledon striker fired an impressive 34 goals in 44 appearances for the Dons last season, winning the Blue Square South’s golden boot as Terry Brown’s men romped to promotion.
But, even after opening his pre-season account with two goals in Wimbledon’s 8-1 demolition of Ramsay on Saturday, the 28-year-old is adamant he is still battling for his place.
He said: “I was dropped for a couple of games last season so I know I am not untouchable - but that is a good thing.
“As a footballer you need competition for places and I do not think Danny Kedwell or myself are automatic choices.
“Terry has brought in Luke Moore and given Peter Rapson a chance and that is exactly what I need.
“You need that motivation to keep improving.
“Luke has already proved himself in this division and we can see already that he is a very good striker.
“And Peter may only be 17 but it looks as though the boss has unearthed a real gem.
“All I can do is keep my head down, work hard and keep taking my chances when I get them.”
Main teamed up with Rapson for the first clash in Saturday’s doubleheader on the Isle of Man with the teenager also notching a brace, along with doubles from Sam Hatton and Derek Duncan.
And it was all change for the second game against an Isle of Man select, with Lewis Taylor, Elliott Godfrey and Kedwell on target in a 3-0 win.
Main added: “It was a good 90 minutes workout for all of us, but nobody is reading anything into it.
“They were not really the best side to come up against, but it was ideal at this stage of our pre-season.
“I was really happy to get a couple of goals as as a striker you need goals in pre-season to get everything started.
“The squad is coming along really nicely - everyone has gelled really quickly and it was great to go away for a weekend and bond like we did.
“I think there is a lot more talent in the squad this year, and some people are obviously going to be upset when they miss out each week.
“My job is to make sure I am not one of them.”
AFC Wimbledon’s next three friendlies: July 25 FC United of Manchester (h), 28 Fulham XI (h), Aug 1 Farnborough Town (a)
What do you think? Should Jon Main be an automatic choice this season? Let us know below.
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