A late equaliser from Blackpool’s Kyle Joseph deep into added time denied Wycombe the three points after the Chairboys valiantly defended for 30 minutes after Alex Hartridge received a red card.
After the departures of Aaron Morley and Caleb Taylor, much was made out around how the Wycombe team would respond and Alex Hartridge and Josh Scowen were introduced to the squad to face Blackpool. And the first half struggled to come to life as there were few chances for either side. Richard Kone had the first chance to put the Chairboys ahead within ten minutes but his half volley went over the bar. But there after, Blackpool appeared to have the better of the half. Wycombe were sloppy on occasions with their passing and almost handed Blackpool the initiative to take the lead. The visitors had headed efforts by Rob Apter and Matthew Pennington go over whilst Lee Evans also had a volley go wide. And Franco Ravizzoli had to parry a Sonny Carey effort. And against the run of play, Wycombe took the lead. A loose ball was headed back by Blackpool’s Odel Offiah into the box and Richard Kone anticipated his moment to pounce. He got ahead of Blackpool’s Matthew Pennington and was brought down in the area to leave referee Simon Mather no choice but to award a penalty. Kone stepped up and scored his 16th goal of the season to put the Chairboys ahead. And that’s how the game ended at half time as Wycombe surprised the visitors by taking a 1-0 lead.
Into the second half, Wycombe started the brighter and almost took the lead immediately from the off. Luke Leary’s well worked corner routine found an unmarked Joe Low in the box who only needed to touch the ball into the net but he placed his effort high and above the Valley End terrace. But eight minutes later, the Chairboys found their task more difficult. Alex Hartridge was chasing Kyle Joseph down the bylines and needlessly fouled the Seagulls striker and subsequently given a second yellow card and sent off. With the numerical difference now in Blackpool’s favour, they started to apply the pressure and peppered the Wycombe goal with endless efforts. With Wycombe’s tireless running, the energy levels impacted the team’s ability to hold onto the ball. Matt Bloomfield rang the changes by introducing Dan Udoh, Brandon Hanlan and Gideon Kodua to the fold.
Wycombe’s low block also saw Steve Bruce change his approach and he rang the changes as they chased an equaliser. And the Seasiders continued to create chances albeit through direct balls into the box, which the Chairboys defence saw out. However Blackpool’s best chance landed to Sonny Carey as a free kick came back to him and he volleyed his effort above the Chairboys goal. With six minutes of additional time added, the Chairboys tried to run the clock down and through Gideon Kodua and Brandon Hanlan they hassled the Seasiders and won Wycombe some breathing space. But with the game entering the last few minutes, a ball floated into the box was headed to Kyle Joseph who hooked his effort goal wards and above Joe Low to give Blackpool an equaliser. Despite the spirited efforts of the Chairboys, it was a deserved goal and point for Blackpool as full time was called. Wycombe now face Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night at Adams Park as they look to get back to winning ways.
