Jay Conroy reckons fellow Don Lewis Taylor’s injury nightmare could make AFC Wimbledon an even tougher proposition over the remaining two months of the Blue Square Premier season.

Having overcome a torn cruciate ligament injury in July 2008 to become a vital cog in Wimbledon’s midfield, scans this week revealed Taylor snapped the cruciate ligament in his other knee in the recent defeat at Crawley Town.

And Conroy revealed Taylor’s anguish will bring the squad closer together.

He said: “That is absolutely gutting news and I cannot believe it.

“For someone to have that much bad luck is incredible.

“For the rest of the season now we have to pull together and play for Lewis.

“Nobody deserves that to happen to them and I am sure the fans feel the same way, and the best way we can brighten the mood is by performing on the pitch.”

Conroy returned to the starting line-up on Saturday as the Dons got back to winning ways with a 2-0 win over Eastbourne Borough thanks to goals from Glenn Poole and Danny Kedwell.

And the right-back admitted he was glad simply to be out there playing.

Conroy added: “It has been a bit frustrating recently as I have been getting substitute appearances and then I got sent off at Oxford which set me back.

“So I was happy just to be back in the team.

“I thought we played really well in patches and it was good to get a positive result.

“Teams like Eastbourne are always well organised and they gave us a good game so the win was really pleasing.”

Wimbledon have made the most of a rare midweek off with the squad training at Bristol City on Monday ahead of a trip to Cheltenham Racecourse.

And Conroy, who is rooming with Sam Hatton on the two-day break, admits the getaway is doing wonders for morale.

He added: “There are a few players here who like a flutter - Ben Judge, Glenn Poole and Brett Johnson to name a few - and we have our own private suite which is great.

“With all the midweek games we have had recently it is nice just to have some time off and enjoy things.

“Having said that when we go to York on Saturday it will be all business again.

“I know people are saying they would be happy with a draw but we never approach a game with that mentality and Saturday will be no different.”

AFC Wimbledon’s next three matches: Mar 20 York City (a), 23 Barrow (h), 27 Rushden & Diamonds (h)