AFC Wimbledon’s boss believes Bury will be a harder nut to crack second time around.

Jon Meades’ stoppage time winner gave Dons all three points from a 2-1 win on their last journey north to Gigg Lane just over two weeks ago.

At the time, it marked a fourth league defeat on the spin for David Flitcroft’s Shakers and two more have followed since, suggesting Dons may have more than one psychological edge on their hosts.

Ardley though is more cautious, suggesting Bury were understrength in the league encounter, but with players returning could now present a very different challenge.

“Does the league win give us a psychological edge? Not really,” said Ardley.

Winner: Jon Meades

“They were a bit weak when we played them as they had a number of players out they might now get back.

“They have been on a bad run too, but I’m sure they will get themselves going.”

The cup tie marks the beginning of a busy eight days for Ardley and his men, with their last group game in the Check-a-trade Trophy at Newport to follow on Tuesday before a tough trip to Oldham where they need to return to winning ways after last week’s loss at home to Bradford.

Ardley admits it will be a test of his squad’s resources and a juggling act for him and his staff.

“We have got to find a way of being strong in the FA Cup, find five players from that team to field in the Check-a-trade Trophy so we don’t get fined and still end up with a fresh squad come the end of a really long week,” he added.

“That’s going to be a challenge for me.”

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