Dons manager Roberto Di Matteo warned his players of the challenge they will face next season after the defeat to Sheffield Wednesday, but was impressed with the way his team started the game.

The Dons were beaten 4-1 by Brian Laws' Championship outfit at stadiummk, despite trialist Florian Sturm putting them in front during a sharp opening spell.

Two goals from Deon Burton plus further strikes from Ettiene Esajas and substitute Jermaine Johnson exploited some tired legs and tired minds in a threadbare Dons squad playing its second game in four days.

And Di Matteo says while the start was encouraging, the step up to League 1 this year will require improved mental sharpness.

He said: "The start was very encouraging but that's not all of the game. It's about not conceding goals, being clever and many things. But it's early days and we can't expect after just two and a half weeks everything to go smoothly.

"They were a strong, experienced Championship side but it was a good test because it makes the players realise that there's a different wind blowing around their ears. We have to get up to the challenge and work even harder.

"For me defending is about the whole team, we've been a bit naïve with the goals we've conceded. We just have to be a bit more focused in certain areas because the little details in this league make a difference.

"It's the second game in three days and we've worked extremely hard. We could see in the first 20 minutes what we were looking for and then Sheffield Wednesday took over.

"The start of the game was very good and the players worked really hard again tonight.

"I've been changing the players because two games in four days in pre-season is definitely not ideal. A few of the lads are a bit tight now but the work ethic was very good."

Watch out for Roberto's full match reaction on Dons World.