Terry Brown has set his sights on boosting his side's defensive options as AFC Wimbledon look to hold on to top spot in the Blue Square Premier.

The Dons were forced to field a youthful back four in the 3-3 draw at Newport on Monday due to an injury to Ismail Yakubu and the long-term absence of Brett Johnson.

And Brown admits he may have to dip into the coffers to remedy the situation.

He said: "We are struggling a bit defensively and I think a lot of that is down to a lack of experience.

"You cannot really go to places like Newport and have a defensive unit all under 23 and expect to emerge unscathed.

"We were battered in the first half and we really need that bit of know-how.

"It seems as though Ismail will only be able to play one game a week going forward and he broke down in the warm-up which was a concern.

"And with Brett we do not want to rush him as he has had a few setbacks.

"We definitely need to strengthen at the back and I shall be endeavouring this week to get somebody in.

"But if I am honest I would say it is 50-50 that we have someone here before the Darlington game."