Much of the talk in the build-up to Wycombe Wanderers’ 2-1 defeat to AFC Wimbledon on Saturday inevitably centred on the two managers.

Gareth Ainsworth and Neal Ardley were once team mates of course, but now find themselves fighting for different causes as both try and make it to the League Two play-offs as managers.

Their relationship has endured a friendly rivalry and Ainsworth suggested the spirited nature of Wycombe’s meetings with Wimbledon stems from he and Ardley’s own competitiveness.

“Obviously Neal and I are old friends. When you go back a long way with someone you always have that thing of not wanting to lose against them and wanting to get one over them,” Ainsworth explained after Saturday’s loss.

“At the end of the day we have sat in my office and had a beer together. We are talking about beating everyone else and [saying] thank goodness we have finished our games against each other this season.

“Neal has always been a good friend and I am happy to see Wimbledon doing well as a club, but I have to focus on getting Wycombe Wanderers ready for York away next Week.”

Saturday’s defeat was played at a furious pace and mirrored the tetchy atmosphere which formed the back drop of Wanderers’ visit to Kingsmeadow in December.

Wimbledon ultimately managed to keep their cool in the heat of a fiery Adams Park atmosphere which saw Ainsworth receive abuse from the travelling Dons fans.

Ardley’s side had the better of the match from start to finish in a win which has added another fascinating twist to this most tense of fights for promotion.

The Blues boss revealed after the match that Ardley had prepared meticulously for what the Wimbledon manager knew would be a testing afternoon.

He said: “Neal told me that Wimbledon changed their style, shape and personnel to play us. They worked really hard and I take that as a compliment. They knew they were in for a tough game coming here.

“He said we capitalise on anything if we sniff it. That is great and we still have one of the best defences in the league.”

He added on the chanting: “I don’t know why that was happening and I was a bit disappointed. I ran my heart out for that team. I think it was probably a bit of friendly banter which went over the top.

“I am sure I will still be welcomed back at Wimbledon if we are still in the same division as each other next year.”