Wycombe Wanderers maintained their unbeaten start to the season and extended their lead at the top of League Two with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Notts County at Meadow Lane.
Manager Peter Taylor made three changes to the side which beat Port Vale on Saturday, replacing Holt, Mousinho and Phillips with Doherty, Moussa and Spence.
The Chairboys reverted to a 4-5-1 / 4-3-3 formation for tonight’s game and lined up as follows:
Shearer
Hunt Williamson McCracken Woodman
Zebroski Moussa Doherty Spence Balanta
Harrold
Subs: Young Johnson Mousinho Phillips Vieira
At the start of the game, Wycombe settled more quickly and had the better of the first 20 minutes. During this time you could sense that Notts County were nervous at the back after their 6-1 drubbing at the hands of Dagenham only 3 days ago.
Zebroski, Balanta and Moussa all had shots during this period, but as the half wore on without Wycombe scoring, County began to gain in confidence and apply some pressure themselves. The Magpies were matching Wycombe’s formation and Jonathan Forte on the left wing was giving Lewis Hunt a tough evening, while Jamie Forrester on the opposite flank also looked lively. Big Delroy Facey was being the same awkward customer up-front that we saw in the blue quarters for a few months last season.
Wycombe then began to sit back a little too deep, effectively inviting County to push forward. They were also also uncharacteristically wasteful in possession, with Tommy Doherty still trying to find his range after a few weeks out.
County had their moments in front of the Wycombe goal, but without seriously threatening to score.
At half time you would have picked out Wycombe as the more dangerous looking side, with Matt Harrold’s excellent hold-up play, Zebroski’s non-stop running and Balanta’s flashes of skill the stand out features of the Blues’ first 45 minutes.
On the other hand, County had looked dangerous enough on occasion for Wycombe fans to harbour doubts about the final outcome.
The second half produced a crucial early goal for Wycombe.
In the 47th minute, Tommy Doherty took possession just inside the County half and ran straight towards goal. He released the ball to Balanta on the left and the little magician feinted his way to the by-line before cutting back a perfect pass for Matt Harrold to slot the ball home.
The Blues really started to play some nice football now. Doherty had found his range and was controlling the congested midfield, spraying passes about and dictating the play.
The contest was effectively over in the 62nd minute when Wycombe added a second goal. A free kick was awarded 3 yards outside the County box and Moussa, Spence and Balanta gathered round the ball. Moussa ran over the ball, Balanta slipped it a few feet to the side and Lewwis Spence rifled a fierce left foot shot into the back of the net. 2-0 Wycombe.
Wycombe controlled the rest of the game comfortably, enjoying a huge share of the possession as they stroked the ball about at will. Zebroski and Spence had further efforts at goal with no reward, but it didn’t really matter as everyone knew the game was over as a contest.
Wycombe’s second half performance was much improved and they fully deserved to take all three points from this match. Their passing was slicker and more accurate and they closed the Magpies down more quickly, giving them no time on the ball.
With 2nd placed Darlington losing at home, Wycombe have now increased their lead at the top of League Two to 4 points. The Chairboys have also played one game less than all of their rivals at the top. The game in hand is against Macclesfield and will be played at Adams Park next Tuesday evening.
Special Mentions
Matt Harrold
Another impressive performance.
Angelo Balanta
Great to watch and a nightmare for the opposition.
Man Of The Match
Tommy Doherty
Takes the honours on the strength of his second half performance when he totally ran the game.
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