Terry Brown has kept his word this summer and stuck by the squad that got AFC Wimbledon promoted into the Football League.

Nine of the 11 players that began last Friday's 3-2 preliminary round Carling Cup defeat to Crawley Town all played a major part in the Dons success and there is an argument Steven Gregory and Danny Kedwell would have made up the other places had they not moved on in the close season.

And Brown is likely to field the same squad when the Dons take to the field at Kingsmeadow against Bristol Rovers tomorrow lunchtime.

"I am very happy we can start with the vast nucleus of the squad that got us here," he said.

"I think it is important to reward that loyalty.

"Sammy Moore, Charles Ademeno and Lee Minshull are recovering from injuries so they are not going to be pushing me too hard for places just yet and I don't envisage many changes from the Crawley game."

Luke Moore and new signing Jack Midson scored the goals against Crawley but the Reds twice came from behind to book a first round trip to Crystal Palace.

"It was a really good game and that has hopefully put us a week ahead of Bristol," said Brown.

"We learned Crawley are a very good side, their work-rate and quality on the ball was very good and that has set a bench mark for us.

"Our boys have trained hard to try and catch up with them."

Tomorrow's game will be the first time Brown has managed in the Football League during an 18-year managerial career.

"Everything after a play-off final is secondary but to be able to lead Wimbledon out on what is an historic occasion is something I will remember for the rest of my life," he said.

"It is a fantastic, how many managers get to manage in the football league?

"There is only 92 of them and I am part of that now which is pleasurable for me.

"As far as the club is concerned and the fans are concerned, it is a day they have looked forward to ever since they first started the club nine years ago and it will be a real carnival atmosphere, no doubt about that."