Terry Brown admits he would rather AFC Wimbledon were not among the early-season pacesetters after the Dons surged up to fourth in the Blue Square Premier after Tuesday night’s win at Rushden.

Ross Montague’s early goal was enough to earn all three points in a game that saw James Pullen save a penalty, Brown himself sent to the stands and Alan Inns patched up again after another head wound.

But the Dons boss is adamant he would prefer his side to pass by unnoticed.

Brown said: “We are up to fourth and although that is fully deserved it is far too high for me.

“We are a very young side and my aim this season was for one of gradual progress and to make our move later in the campaign.

“By starting so well we are putting ourselves in the firing line and we are there to be shot at.

“The last thing I want is for the team to think we are the finished article as there is still a lot of work to be done and it is my job to make sure they are aware of that.”

Montague made his first start at Nene Park, filling in for Jon Main who withdrew with a stomach bug that had already claimed Ricky Wellard, Luke Garrard and Paul Lorraine.

And after Montague’s strike it was a dogged display from the Dons, not helped by Brown’s dismissal for sarcastically applauding the referee.

He added: “I did not even realise that was a sending-off offence.

“I can’t remember the last time I was sent off but it was certainly not in the last eight years.

“In my youth I was a bit of a volatile character but I have calmed down a lot over the years, so to be told to go to the stands really took me by surprise.”

Wimbledon will look to build on their excellent start when they host Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday, looking to follow-up last Saturday’s 4-0 thrashing of Histon.

But, as always, Brown is expecting a tough encounter.

He added: “Kidderminster are a good side and they are in good form.

“The thing we have learned in this league so far is there is a very fine margin between winning and losing.

“Even against Histon for example that was never a 4-0 win.

“So we will have to work hard, defend well and battle for everything we get.”

AFC Wimbledon’s next three matches: Oct 3 Kidderminster Harriers (h), 10 Forest Green Rovers (a), 17 Kettering Town (h)