AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley says he knew his side would have to be at the top of their game to get a positive result against Wycombe Wanderers.

The Dons left Adams Park with a 2-1 win after a commanding and committed display which moves them to within two points of Wanderers.

Ardley was full of praise for his hardworking side and revealed after the match that he knew Wycombe would pose a huge threat.

He said: “The work ethic throughout the team [was good]. We had centre-forwards back in right-back spots doing jobs at times.

“You know when you play Wycombe that you have to see your jobs through. We spoke about that at the start of the game and wanted to make sure the stats were in our favour today.

“If you don’t do that and get caught not really working enough, Wycombe will take you to the cleaners.”

While Ardley was clearly happy with his players’ performances, he was less impressed with that of the referee and insisted he helped Wanderers with their direct approach.

The former Watford and Millwall utility man also suggested that the Chairboys should have been reduced to 10 men after Aaron Pierre gave away a penalty.

“The more bodies they put in the box, and the more times they cross it in the more likely [they are to score],” he said.

“I thought the ref gave them a helping hand and gave them as many free-kicks as they could handle.

“It was a clear penalty and I’m stunned [Pierre] hasn’t been sent off. Rhys Murphy has rolled him and is going to score, so it is a professional foul.”