Braintree 0-1 AFC Wimbledon

Terry Brown saluted his away-day braves – and then strongly hinted at the return of a Dons legend.

Wimbledon regained the Blue Square South leadership with a gutsy win over old foes Braintree Town. Chris Hussey’s stunning 70th minute free-kick secured a deserved sixth win from seven.

And after already their third victory on the road, chuffed boss Brown revealed Marcus Gayle is one of two people in the frame for the vacant reserve team manager’s job.

The star, 37, is favourite to replace Ryan Gordon who left the club this morning. Gayle will be interviewed on Wednesday as the battle for control of the Kingsmeadow second string gathers pace.

Brown confirmed: “I’ve heard the rumours and what I can tell you tonight is that Marcus will sit down with the club over the next 24 hours and be interviewed alongside A.N Other.

“It’s not down to me who gets it but obviously Gayley is highly thought of at this club. Watch this space.

“I would like it done soon. I’m supposed to take the reserves on Wednesday but I won’t lie, I really don’t want to!”

Brown was happy to let his tongue wag after seeing his players dispose of a Braintree side that ripped apart high-flying Team Bath three days earlier.

It was the Iron that came out of the blocks quicker and they should have led less than 30 seconds in. Wayne O’Sullivan’s lofted pass was controlled well by Sean Marks but he was off target.

Jon Main flashed over the Braintree bar soon after and then Tony Finn came within a few inches of forcing Ryan Moran into putting the ball into his own net.

Wimbledon then survived more pressure but from then on in were always in control.

The 600 away fans could only wonder where Sam Hatton’s long ranger would have gone had it not taken a nick off Lee Burns and the Dons midfielder played in Hussey from a quick free-kick but Main couldn’t supply the finish.

It was a bitty second 45 but the away team always looked the more likely to break through.

Their pressure eventually told 20 minutes from time when Hussey dispatched his measured free-kick with style – in off the underside of Craig Holloway’s crossbar to break the deadlock.

Substitute Chris Sullivan – against his old club – almost marked his long-awaiting Dons debut with a goal but somehow managed to screw wide with the goal gaping.

Brown added: “God knows how the plank missed that!

“But I thought we were very good value for this win. We got over the absence of Elliott Godfrey very well I thought. I didn’t know how we would cope without him but we came through it with flying colours.

“Godders injured his knee at work today so we’ll have to keep a close eye on that.

“After about 15 minutes we got it down and started playing some football. I’m not only surprised by our great results but by the level of performances, too.”