Terry Brown admits the month ahead will prove crucial as AFC Wimbledon prepare to embark on a seven-game, 23-day spell against a clutch of Blue Square Premier heavyweights.

The Dons clash with title favourites Luton Town and Crawley Town in their next two games, ahead of difficult trips to Mansfield, Wrexham and Kidderminster.

And Brown reckons these games will be the acid test for his young side.

He said: “We have got a phenomenally tough time coming up.

“Seven games in 23 days is a very heavy workload regardless of who you are playing, but we have some of the biggest teams in the league.

“This is what you would call a proper test.

“It is just a good job that we have a bigger squad this year as we will need it.

“On the positive side of things, we will head into these games with a lot of confidence.

“As far as I am concerned, there is no doubt that the pressure is all on Cambridge and Luton - their players and managers - they are the sides that are expected to do well.

“We will obviously be looking to win every game, but if we come out of the Wrexham game on October 9 still in the top five I will be delighted.”

The Dons will head to Luton proudly topping the table after dismantling Bath City 4-0 at Kingsmeadow last weekend.

Ismail Yakubu, Sammy Moore, Christian Jolley and Danny Kedwell were on target, leaving Brown a happy man.

He added: “It was a very good performance.

“The first half was the best we have played all season, and although we started the second half a bit lax we soon hit our stride.

“I do not think four goals flattered us, in fact we could have won by more.”

Brown is also in the unusual situation of having a near fully-fit squad to choose from, with only Brett Johnson on the treatment table.

And the Wimbledon boss feels that could prove vital over the coming weeks.

Brown added: “The likes of Jon Main and Mark Nwokeji may not play on Friday but they certainly will in the next few weeks.

“I shall be having a look at the reserves this week as everyone is likely to get a chance.

“The opportunity to keep things fresh is a massive bonus this year and will give us a real push.”

AFC Wimbledon’s next three matches: Sep 17 Luton Town (a), 23 Crawley Town (h), 26 Kidderminster (a)