Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has moved to protect his defence after his side’s 2-1 loss against AFC Wimbledon on Saturday.

The Blues’ usually resolute back four was far from at its best as the Dons created a number of chances and eventually ran out deserving winners.

Aaron Pierre had a particularly testing afternoon but Ainsworth instead chose to focus on the overall positives of a season which has seen the Blues maintain a solid defensive record.

“Aaron is one of the best centre-backs in the league with Anthony Stewart not too far behind. I thought they acquitted themselves well in the second half after having a bit of rocket at half-time I will admit,” said Ainsworth.

“They’re two fantastic players to have in the squad and I will have them in the squad all day, they’re really good lads and I love working with them.

“We have the best defensive record in the league, so I can’t grumble too much. But when you set your standards so high you want to keep them there. I am sure we will be back firing next week.”

The first half at Adams Park was notable for an aerial battle between Pierre and Wimbledon’s Tom Elliott which the rangy striker undoubtedly came out on top of.

The forward’s physicality made him more than a handful for the 22-yaer-old Pierre who failed to contain his opponent.

Ainsworth acknowledged the striker’s impact at full-time and accepted that Elliot had played an important role in his side’s success.

He said: “We didn’t struggle with the shape at all. We matched them up for shape and competed in all areas of the pitch.

“Tom Elliott did cause us major problems in the first half and won a great amount of headers. He knocked down a few chances for Wimbledon.”

The defeat ended a run of four 1-0 wins in a row at Adams park for Wanderers. They will look to return to winning ways when they take on League Two strugglers York in their next match.