Terry Brown hopes his signing of James Mulley could prove a masterstroke as AFC Wimbledon look to strengthen their grip at the top of the Blue Square Premier.

Mulley has struck twice in two games since signing on New Year’s Day, the most recent the Dons opener in the thrilling 3-3 draw at Newport County on Monday.

And Brown admits even he has been caught by surprise by how quickly the former Hayes and Yeading man has settled.

He said: “He was on trial at Charlton and played against us in the summer and we have been tracking him ever since.

“He has been training with us for a couple of weeks and we decided to give him a go and it has paid off big time.

“The thing with James is he can play anywhere on the pitch and that versatility is a massive plus.

“He has pace and a fantastic engine and the goals have been a real bonus.

“The amount of games that we have at the moment we need every body we can get and James is a great addition to that squad.”

Mulley was joined by fellow new signing Kirk Hudson as the Dons battled back from 3-1 down in South Wales thanks to further strikes from Sam Hatton and Rashid Yussuff.

The battling point backed up a 3-1 win over Hayes & Yeading on Saturday, with Ryan Jackson and Luke Moore also on target.

And the Wimbledon boss was beaming after seeing his side hold on to top spot.

Brown added: “To say it was a point gained from the jaws of defeat is an understatement.

“We were really struggling at the back for bodies and when you look at our back four it is three 19-year-olds, a 22-year-old and a 20-year-old keeper.

“To come back like we did showed a lot of character and I am absolutely delighted.

“Now we have to go and do the same at Darlington.

“We know it will be tough as they are the only side to beat us at home in the league this season, so we will be ready for another tough challenge.”

AFC Wimbledon’s next three matches: Jan 8 Darlington (a), 12 Luton Town (h), 15 Woking (FAT, h)