AFC Wimbledon boss Neal Ardley reckons facing Accrington Stanley in the League Two play-offs is the toughest possible outcome, but only for geographical reasons.

The Dons could have faced Bristol Rovers or Oxford United, which would have offered a far shorter journey, but the fates have conspired to send them the 520-mile round journey into Lancashire.

There is the matter of the first leg on Saturday at the Cherry Red Records stadium, but Ardley knows only too well that performances both home and away will need to be on the money if the Dons are to grace Wembley on bank holiday Monday.

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Going into the final round of League Two games on Saturday, Accrington Stanley were second in the table and holding an automatic promotion place.

However, a draw at home to Stevenage, plus wins for Oxford United and Bristol Rovers, sent Accrington Stanley into the play-offs on goal difference.

Although Ardley feels their pain, he does not consider them to be a wounded animal primed for the taking.

“I had hoped they [Accrington Stanley] would win promotion automatically because of what they have achieved,” he said.

“It is a huge success story, and with the likes of Leicester City and Burton Albion doing so well, this has been the season of surprises.”

He added: “Geographically it is tough, with the longer journey, but it is what it is.

“But it would not have mattered who we faced in the play-offs, they would all have had aspirations of finishing in the top three.

“I know Accrington Stanley will be professional, will be able to dust themselves down and prepare in the right way for the play-offs.

“They have competed at such a high level for 46 games, I am sure they will for two more.”

Looking inwards, Ardley is hoping to have a fully fit squad from which to choose, although he is sweating on a couple of key names that he is keeping close to his chest.

However, irrespective of who plays, the boss knows they will still need to stand up tall.

“It does not really matter who we got because they are all good teams with different qualities,” he said.

“We know if we don’t do well over the 180 minutes we will not go through. We have got to put in a performance.”