Farnborough 1-2 AFC Wimbledon

Terry Brown said only Chris Hussey and Derek Duncan are sure starters for the Blue Square Premier’s big kick-off.

The left-footers starred as the Dons continued the pre-season preparation with a solid victory at Southern League Farnborough.

It has been a good seven days for the BSS champions. Last Saturday they saw-off FC United of Manchester 2-0 and on Tuesday they well beat a young Fulham side at Kingsmeadow.

But a poor second-half performance at Cherrywood Road yesterday has given Brown cause for concern.

The manager complained about his team’s tempo and lack of energy as Boro almost pulled off a surprise comeback.

It seems only left-back Hussey and former Wycombe and Ebbsfleet man Duncan can bank on a shirt for the Luton match this coming Saturday.

The manager says the rest have it all to do to earn a place in his starting side for the visit of Mick Harford’s Hatters, who went down 1-0 to Hampton & Richmond yesterday.

Brown said: “We were very good in the first half and I enjoyed watching it.

“We were cruising and then just sat back, why we sat back I do not know. What’s for certain is that there’s no way we’ll be able to get away with that against Luton Town. If we switch off like we did, they’ll murder us.

“Not too many of our players had a great day at that office. We took our goals well but just took our foot off the gas and I expect to see improvement when we play North Greenford on Monday night.

“Only Huss (Hussey) and Duncan have put their names on the teamsheet. The rest have it all to prove.”

Wimbledon created chance after chance in the first half before eventually going ahead after 25 minutes.

It came via the impressive Hussey. The youngster’s corner found Duncan and his ball was met brilliantly by the head of Brett Johnson who nodded past Steve Williams. The defender grabbed his first goal for the club since signing from Brentford.

Within four minutes the away team stretched their legs and stretched their lead.

Hussey’s corner was headed clear and the ball was returned into the box and Lewis Taylor, from a tight angle, doubled Wimbledon’s advantage.

The visitors looked in cruise control but went to sleep in the second period to let Steve King’s Farnborough – the overwhelming Southern League title favourites – back into the match.

Keeper James Pullen was at fault for allowing Boro back into it. His woeful kick gave Tony Thomas an easy goal and the same player could have put them on terms later in the contest.

Dons held on but with Brown demanding more, many of the first team squad look likely to be given the chance to earn their place tomorrow when Wimbledon travel to North Greenford.