Nathan Elder admits AFC Wimbledon’s next three games could prove crucial in the race for the Blue Square Premier play-offs.

The Dons face Cambridge United, Luton Town and Oxford United in succession on the road - three sides they have failed to beat at Kingsmeadow this season.

And with Wimbledon having moved back into the play-off places with Saturday’s 2-0 win over Forest Green, Elder feels it is time to prove their worth.

He said: “There is no doubt that the next three games are massive for us and are extremely important.

“But we have got ourselves into a position now where things are in our own hands.

“In all honesty I am not really focusing on what they bring to the table, I am just concentrating on what we have to do.

“Sometimes you can get so wrapped up in thinking about the opposition that you forget what your own job is.

“So although they are all big teams our goal is to go with a gameplan and just treat it as 11 men against 11 - nothing more.”

The Dons got back to winning ways against Forest Green thanks to an Elder headed opener and a Will Hendry strike.

And the former Brentford star felt it was vital to get the Workington FA Trophy flop out of their system as quickly as possible.

Elder added: “The Workington game was probably the best chance we ever had of getting to Wembley so of course everyone was really disappointed.

“In a way the Forest Green game was a real test of character for us and we came through with flying colours.

“Obviously I was happy with my goal, but I can’t really remember that much about it.

“My three goals since I have been here have all been headers and some of my friends have been saying perhaps they should just run around with my head on a stick, but I’m not so sure about that!”

The on-loan Shrewsbury man is currently settling into digs in Raynes Park.

And Elder revealed the cadre of former Brentford players at Kingsmeadow had made life a lot easier.

He added: “The Wimbledon camp is a really enjoyable environment to be part of.

“Obviously I get on well with the Brentford boys so that allowed me to settle in right away, but to be honest the other players are a really good group of lads and I have gelled very quickly.

“I’m really enjoying my time here and I just hope to carry on the way I have started.”

AFC Wimbledon’s next three matches: Feb 13 Cambridge United (a), 20 Luton Town (a), 23 Oxford United (a)