YOU could have named your price with the bookmakers betting on Wimbledon’s survival a couple of months ago.

When City claimed a first win for David Hopkin at the beginning of October, it sparked a seven-match losing run that plunged the Dons into the relegation zone.

They have been stuck there pretty much ever since and hit mid-February still 10 points adrift of safety.

But a Lazarus-style recovery has seen them beaten only twice since, their current six-game unbeaten streak lifting them to the lofty heights of 18th spot.

Wimbledon have sharpened up their act at both ends in that time.

Former Crazy Gang midfielder Wally Downes, who took charge from the long-serving Neil Ardley in December, has improved the defensive record after switching systems to three centre-halves.

While striker Joe Pigott is enjoying a rich vein of scoring form that has earned him a nomination for League One player of the month for April.

Pigott scored five goals in that time, including both in last Saturday’s win over Wycombe that took them out of the bottom four.

His 15 goals in total have earned Wimbledon 19 points – the most of any player in League One.

Alongside Pigott, James Hanson has put his injury frustration behind him to form an effective double act at the top of the 3-5-2.

Hanson said: “We started the season 4-4-2 and were getting punished at the back.

“The gaffer changed shape and, as results have gone on, we’ve gained confidence from keeping clean sheets.”

Wimbledon are one of five clubs fighting to stay up on the final day.

They have a two-point cushion on Plymouth, who currently occupy the last relegation spot, and a better goal difference. A draw at Valley Parade should be enough to beat the drop.

Homegrown defender Will Nightingale, one of the three centre backs, said: “We are proving to people how good we can be.

“Let’s go and finish the job at Bradford. All that matters now is retaining our League One status.”