In a game where many thought we would be outdone all over the park, Ainsworth’s men once again proved the doubters wrong and were more than a match for a previously rampant Peterborough. Some brilliant football was played at Adams Park by the Blues, with intricate passing all over the pitches causing Peterborough some real problems. Wycombe stunned the Posh following in the 65th minute when Fred Onyedinma went on a magical run, only to be fouled right as he was about to shoot. There were claims for a red card turned away, but all was forgotten when Bryn Morris stepped up to convert the free kick (courtesy of a small deflection). Wycombe held on and were great value for all three points.
This brilliant result was followed by the final group game in the Checkatrade trophy against local rivals Oxford United. The league meeting between these two ended in a 0-0 draw, but this game saw Ainsworth make numerous changes to his starting line up and Wycombe fell to a 3-0 defeat which saw them knocked out of the competition.
The weekend brought yet another cup game against League One opposition. This time it was Luton Town away in the 1st round of the FA Cup. A cagey first half was edged 1-0 by Luton, before a defensive lapse lead to the Hatters doubling their advantage in the second half which saw them progress into the next round of the cup. After being knocked out of two domestic cups in a week, it was important for us to bounce back and continue the recent upturn in league form. Injuries to both goalkeepers saw the return of former fan favourite and ‘one of our own’ Matty Ingram on an emergency 7 day loan deal for what was a huge away day at the Stadium of Light which brought with it a reunion with one of last year’s stars, Luke O’Nien.
Sunderland were flying high in League One and were the clear favourites going into the game. What followed was a performance to match the occasion. Once again, we went toe to toe with one of the title favourites and Onyedinma broke the deadlock when a free kick fell to him in the box and he smashed it into the roof of the net with just 20 minutes left. Wycombe were just 6 minutes from all three points, but Josh Maja of Sunderland was on hand to equalise late on. We could have come away from the game with nothing if it was not for a brilliant late save from Ingram that kept the score level. Despite the late disappointment, this was no doubt a brilliant result for the Blues and one the team can take great confidence from going forward.
Next up was a home game against Shrewsbury Town. Coming into the game just behind Shrewsbury in the league meant a win would see Wycombe jump The Shrews and into the top half of the table. This was a game that followed a bizarre and dramatic narrative. Aaron-Amadi Holloway, who Wycombe fans will remember (with mixed memories) from the play-off final season, opened the scoring in the fourth minute before an ex Shrewsbury player equalised. Adam El-Abd took the ball down brilliantly before swiveling on a tuppence to volley brilliantly into the back of the net.
Many would have had that down as a dead cert for goal of the day, but yet another ex Shrewsbury now Wycombe player, Joe Jacobson, had other ideas. A corner he took from the left hand side fell back to him, before he cut inside and hit a wonderstrike with his right foot (Yes, he does have one) into the top corner, clipping the bar as it went in. Alex Samuel added a third goal for the Blues when he lashed home from just inside the area finding the bottom corner and it seemed we were on our way to a comfortable victory. But no, that’s not the Wycombe way. Shrewsbury pulled one back within minutes which lead to a nervy finale, but thankfully the defence held strong and suddenly, Wycombe were in the top half of League One.
The month closed with a long Tuesday night away trip to Accrington Stanley, where we were looking for a first win there in six years. Fans will still have the memories of last years 4-0 thumping given to us by Accrington in their minds and no doubt will have hoped for some much needed revenge.
A frustrating first half where Wycombe struggled to find the decisive pass saw Accrington take the lead, when a double deflection saw the ball land to Sean McConville just yards from goal. The Blues had the latest emergency goalkeeper, David Stockdale to thank for keeping the score at 1-0 with a string of fine saves and a tactical tweek at half time changed the game. A high press prevented Accrington from playing the passing game they are so fond of and created some space in behind their defence. The introduction of Scott Kashket was key to Wycombe’s rejuvenation, and he was the player to grab the equaliser with just 13 minutes to go, controlling Dominic Gape’s ball over the top and neatly finding the bottom corner. The 190 fans who traveled all the way to Accrington were in for quite the finale. Alex Samuel broke down the right wing before having his cross blocked, only for him to see the ball bobble off of an Accrington defender and back into his path. He ran onto the ball and smashed it in from an impossible angle to send the travelling fans into raptures, and Wycombe into a remarkable 10th place.
Summary/My Verdict
What a month November has been! It seems i was right to state my optimism in last months review. Saying that, many Wycombe fans, myself included would have probably settled for half the league points we claimed in what were some very tough fixtures.
Putting aside the disappointment of being knocked out of two cups (which may well be a blessing in disguise), Wycombe played four league games and won three, only dropping points away to title favourites Sunderland. The tenacity and determination of this team continue to amaze me, and it is no surprise that we have scored the most goals after the 75th minute in League One (11). This team do not know when they are beaten.
Gareth has got this team fighting until the last second of every game, and it appears each and every player is willing to run through walls for him, and the club. Now sat 11 points off of the relegation zone and (whisper it) just six points off the play off spots, there is no doubt that it is a very exciting time to be a Wycombe fan. Bring on December!
