After a few weeks in hiding due to a complex but now very positive personal and academic life, I’m back. Wycombe shifted their attention to the FA Cup where they aimed to win their first game in a cup competition this season after first game knock-outs in both the Carling Cup and Johnstone’s Paint Trophy.
Before the game even began, it just felt like a low key and abject mentality from the fans. After 3 straight draws and fans lamenting the inability for players to put the ball in the net, the atmosphere was drab and even Swindon, a team who normally sell out the Wycombe away end, brought a modest and fairly quiet following to South Bucks.
The first half performance certainly seemed to continue the drab and uninspiring theme. Chances were few and far between. Swindon threatened through returning striker Barry Corr who after a weaving run into the box, fired his shot straight at the gloves of Frank Fielding.
Wycombe soon had their turn to threaten and after Russell Martin’s cross wasn’t dealt with at all by the Robins’ defence, the ball fell to Scott McGleish who somehow shot over from less than 4 yards out. However, the Blues’ leading scorer was spared his blushes by the linesman sharply flagging for offside.
t was Swindon, who had the next meaningful chance when Miguel Commings headed over unmarked just 8 yards from goal when in truth he should have done a lot better.
The last significant moment of the half was when skipper David McCracken was stretched off after an awkward collision near the center circle, he was replaced by Sam Stockley who prevented Swindon target man Corr from nodding in a couple of minutes after with an impressive clearing header.
The half-time whistle blew and with fans pouring to the food kiosks to ponder their thoughts on a boring half over a burger or two.
It was the opposition manager Paul Sturrock who stuck his neck out and attempted to turn the game in his favour with Commings being replaced by the more attacking minded Christian Roberts.
However, it was Wycombe who came out of the blocks far better than their opponents. A hanging cross by stand-in Blues captain Matt Bloomfield was met by McGleish but his header was clawed away well by Swindon keeper Peter Brezovan.
The next chance that came McGleish’s way had the giant keeper well and truly beaten….but his cross goal drive also evaded the Swindon goal as it flashed just wide, the most clear cut chance of the game.
However, despite this spell of pressure it was the League 1 side that snatched a lead. Tom Williams made a hash of clearing a Swindon cross and substitute Roberts gladly took the gift wrapped chance presented to him and slotted past Fielding, sparking animated celebrations in the away end with a few Swindon fans determined to make their way onto the Adams Park pitch.
They were soon celebrating again as substitute Billy Paynter was given acres of space on the edge of the Wycombe box and his curling effort beat Fielding despite the Blackburn loanee getting a slight touch on it.
Swindon successfully slowed the pace down after this and it took a defensive howler for Wycombe to get back into it. Sofienne Zaboub and Brezovan suffered a severe breakdown in communication and Bloomfield got the slightest touch to send the ball into the unguarded net. However, despite a generous 4 minutes on injury time, Wycombe were successfully subdued for the remainder of the game and it was Swindon who advance to the second round of the world’s oldest cup competition.
Player Ratings
Frank Fielding – 7
Can’t be faulted really, was competent when called upon and was left exposed by a shaky Wycombe backline display.
Rusell Martin – 5
Very poor, aimless passes and terrible positioning meant Swindon were allowed to pose a constant threat from wide areas.
Leon Johnson – 7
Can never seem to fault him, shackled the Swindon strikeforce very well and can’t be put at fault for either of the goals.
David McCracken – 6
Seemed solid during his time on the pitch, we wait on the extent of his injury.
Tom Williams – 5
The PFA player of the month was a let down today. I rate him as the best signing of the summer behind Leon Johnson but the sooner Lambert realises he’s more effective at left midfield and he signed Woodman for a reason the better….
Gary Holt – 7
Held it together well as usual, his bravery and commitment should be noted by others in the Blue quarters.
Stefan Oakes – 6
His passing game is second to none on the field but so often exposed for his lack of pace and aerial ability, didn’t warrant his start today.
Sergio Torres – 6.5
Always a bundle of energy, looked like the most likely player to break Swindon down today.
Martin Bullock – 6
Flashed pace and enthusiasm but his crossing is such a let down considering the promising positions he finds himself in.
Matt Bloomfield – 7
A threat in the second half as his surging runs weren’t tracked by the Swindon defence, will be vital this season.
Scott McGleish 7.5
See ‘Star Man’.
Sam Stockley – 6
Seemed solid enough, brave header in the first half kept it level at the break.
John Sutton – 5.5
Won the headers but his lack of endeavour and purpose never left the visitors’ defence with anything to worry about.
