Terry Brown has upped the ante ahead of welcoming Rushden & Diamonds to Kingsmeadow on Saturday by billing it as AFC Wimbledon’s ‘biggest game of the season’.

Tuesday night’s dismal 2-0 home reverse against strugglers Barrow leaves the Dons in seventh spot in the Blue Square Premier, seven points of the play-off places.

And with Rushden one of the sides sat above Wimbledon, Brown has filed the weekend clash in the must-win category.

He said: “After the Barrow game we have to look at things realistically and say there are probably only two of the teams in the play-off places we can catch - Rushden and York.

“We still have to play them both so all is not lost, but you would have to say that a ten-point gap at this stage of the season would be too difficult to make up.

“So it is quite simple - we have to beat Rushden & Diamonds.

“As far as I am concerned it is our biggest game of the season as I am not about to stand by and watch our season fizzle out.

“I want a reaction from the players and I expect to get it.”

The Dons crashed to Barrow in disappointing fashion, sliding away with barely a whimper after Jon Main missed a first-half penalty.

And Brown admits he may need a squad rethink to get things back on track.

He added: “I am going to make some changes and freshen things up.

“Tuesday was just not good enough and the players know that.

“They looked a bit sorry for themselves and we never looked like getting back in it after they took the lead.

“I have rotated the squad for most of the year and I will continue doing that.

“The players have to give everything they can over the next two months as we are still on the verge of something special.”

The Wimbledon boss is hoping Steven Gregory, Will Hendry and Brett Johnson will all be available for the weekend showdown.

And he expects Rushden to provide another stern test.

Brown added: “I went to see Rushden play Oxford in midweek and they could have beaten them.

“They are on a good run of form at the moment and will be no pushovers.

“They are playing with a lot of confidence and we will need to be at our best to come out on top.”

AFC Wimbledon’s next three matches: Mar 27 Rushden & Diamonds (h), 30 Wrexham (h), Apr 3 Histon (a)