Dons downed: Midfielder Chris Hussey in action against Horsham on Saturday. Hussey scored from the penalty spot, but couldn't prevent the Dons from going down 4-2 at Kingsmeadow Deadlinepix Osman Deen SP18885
AFC Wimbledon boss Terry Brown believes scoring goals is his side's Achilles heel - despite the Dons defence shipping nine goals in their past four matches.
The Dons went down 4-2 at home to fellow play-off contenders Horsham on Saturday.
Brown's men are yet to secure a place in the Ryman Premier Division top five and have stumbled since a 3-2 defeat to leaders Chelmsford City ended hopes of winning the title.
But the busy Dons boss has boosted his squad with five signings this week - including three strikers he hopes will fire them to glory
Gillingham forward Luis Cumbers re-signed on loan after the Gills drafted in two front men last week, while Brown added four more players on Monday - transfer deadline day.
Right-back Ben Judge has joined from Bromley, while QPR trainee midfielder Danny Maguire has signed until the end of the season.
Stevenage Borough striker Elliott Buchanan comes in on loan - as does forward Nic McDonnell on a dual registration deal with Bromley - as cover for Jon Main, should he fail to recover in time from injury.
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But former Aldershot Town boss Brown, who has seen his side leak six goals in the last 15 minutes in three of their past four matches, concedes his defence needs attention as well if they are to clinch promotion.
"We have had a good defence all season, but we've not been able to score goals," he said.
"It is up to me and the coaching staff to address the problem and we will be working hard on the training ground to iron out the problems at the back.
"We were going well up to the point we lost to Chelmsford and I think that has taken the stuffing out of us.
"A few fresh faces could lift the squad at the right time."
Wycombe Wanderers centre back Lewis Christon, signed last week on-loan until the end of the season to provide some pace at the back, couldn't stop the Dons leaking another four goals at the weekend.
Strikes from Daniel Webb and Chris Hussey had seen the teams level until Horsham scored twice late on.
And Brown insists his side cannot afford a repeat this weekend with the visit of Billericay Town.
"We are playing another play-off chasing side and we can't afford another slip," he added.
"We need to make sure we are in the play-offs so we have time to approach them in the right frame of mind and playing good positive football.
"The fact Lewis will have another game under his belt can only be a good thing and we hope to have one or two other boys back.
"I'm trying to get a settled side as soon as I can, so it has plenty of time to bed in."
Posted by: Brasted Don, Kent on 8:10pm Thu 3 Apr 08
Stumbling into the play offs with an unsettled side and a stack of last minute signings. We've been here before and with Staines' matches in hand, 2nd place and guaranteed home advantage in the play offs is out of our hands. It's not looking good.
Stumbling into the play offs with an unsettled side and a stack of last minute signings. We've been here before and with Staines' matches in hand, 2nd place and guaranteed home advantage in the play offs is out of our hands. It's not looking good.
Welcome to new signed players. I salute Terry Brown initiative, but I share Brasted Don concern. First there was a theory that players are under too much pressure to win the league. Now, after throwing away that chance, it seems players feel down. If the club does not build old Wimbledon stamina, courage and determination, we can only live on memory and - I am afraid - expect more disappointment.
Welcome to new signed players. I salute Terry Brown initiative, but I share Brasted Don concern. First there was a theory that players are under too much pressure to win the league. Now, after throwing away that chance, it seems players feel down. If the club does not build old Wimbledon stamina, courage and determination, we can only live on memory and - I am afraid - expect more disappointment.
Posted by: Old Don, Molesey on 10:53pm Thu 3 Apr 08
Hate to say it, but the turn-over of players, no matter how good or bad they are, is damaging the team. We need consistancy in selection, obviously injuries haven't helped, but then not picking Shroot hasn't helped either...and whilst I welcome these signings, i fear the shear amount of in/out players has already taken it's toll...
Hate to say it, but the turn-over of players, no matter how good or bad they are, is damaging the team. We need consistancy in selection, obviously injuries haven't helped, but then not picking Shroot hasn't helped either...and whilst I welcome these signings, i fear the shear amount of in/out players has already taken it's toll...
Posted by: sw18womble, City of London on 7:03pm Fri 4 Apr 08
Some typical negative Afc Dons fans views on here. Terry Brown is one of the most experienced and successful managers in non league football. He probably knows more about the job as a football manager than the entire wimbledon fan base. Signed experience, 2 proven goalscorers and the return of probably the best player ever to where a Afc wimbledon shirt-Cumbers, so all looks positive to me. Now is the time to get get 100% behind the team and manager.
Some typical negative Afc Dons fans views on here. Terry Brown is one of the most experienced and successful managers in non league football. He probably knows more about the job as a football manager than the entire wimbledon fan base. Signed experience, 2 proven goalscorers and the return of probably the best player ever to where a Afc wimbledon shirt-Cumbers, so all looks positive to me. Now is the time to get get 100% behind the team and manager.
Well said SW18womble! It proves that we only sing when we are winning and when we dont we just moan!! I think Nic McDonnell will take Webbs place and partner Cumbers when possible. Our top scorer in the league is Finn and he has 9 goals and he dosent seem intrested anymore! I am amazed we managed to get to second place. I think if your name isnt Jon and you are a striker at AFC Wimbledon now is the time to worry as you have had your chances to score goals and someone has been brought in to take your place
Well said SW18womble! It proves that we only sing when we are winning and when we dont we just moan!! I think Nic McDonnell will take Webbs place and partner Cumbers when possible. Our top scorer in the league is Finn and he has 9 goals and he dosent seem intrested anymore! I am amazed we managed to get to second place. I think if your name isnt Jon and you are a striker at AFC Wimbledon now is the time to worry as you have had your chances to score goals and someone has been brought in to take your place
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