Crawley striker Calum Willock will not lack incentive when he tries to continue his goalscoring form at AFC Wimbledon in the Blue Square premier tonight.

The 27-year-old thought he had done enough to earn himself a permanent deal with the newly-promoted Dons when he scored two goals in a pre-season friendly against Fulham.

But Wimbledon only offered him a month’s contract and Willock turned it down, preferring to keep his options open until he got a better deal.

That has not materialised yet – Willock is on a month’s contract at Crawley too – but he is confident his gamble has paid off and is determined to show Wimbledon that they made a mistake.

He said: “I did well in pre-season and thought I deserved better than only being offered a month so I decided to sit tight. It’s a risk because a lot of players haven’t got clubs. A lot of my mates in football are still looking but I’m glad I ended up at Crawley.

“I had nothing in August. I had to be disciplined to keep training every day – running, swimming and gym work – and it wasn’t a great feeling on Saturday afternoon watching the scores on TV when you want to be playing.

“I know (Crawley defender) Glenn Wilson and he gave me (assistant manager) Paul Raynor’s number. It was just after Jamie Cook had left so they were looking for a striker and it’s great to be here.”

Willock scored his first goal since Easter Monday, when he netted for former club Stevenage against Reds, in Saturday’s 2-1 win over Kettering which made it seven points from three games for Steve Evans’ men.

“Saturday was a big win for us. I’m really enjoying being here,” added Willock.

“When I arrived it was a bit flat but we’ve got a run going and everyone’s flying and hopefully we can keep it going tonight.

“I’d love to score against them.”

Willock may be partnered up front by Jefferson Louis if Charles Ademeno fails to recover from a twisted knee. Eddie Hutchinson is expected to return after illness which might see Glenn Wilson dropping into the defence.

Crawley (from): Rayner, Wilson, Rents, Broadhurst, Quinn, Djilali, Pinault, Hutchinson, Carruthers, Louis, Willock, Rusk, Smith, Cogan, Forrest, Killeen, Ademeno.

AFC Wimbledon (from): Pullen, Conroy, Lorraine, Johnson, Hussey, Gregory Adjei, Hatton, Duncan, Taylor, Main, Montague, Kedwell, Moore. Inns, Brown.