Match Reports

Wycombe Beat Mansfield- Match Report

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A new era began for the Wanderers as they beat Mansfield away from home, Sam Grace’s first game in charge. 

This was the first fixture in 22 years for Wycombe which didn’t have the involvement of Gareth Ainsworth or Matt Bloomfield, with Sam Grace taking on the role of first team manager on a caretaker basis. Sam Vokes had also travelled with the squad to help the coaching staff.

Jack Grimmer made his return to the matchday squad after an injury, while Joe Low missed out due to illness, Declan Skura taking his place in the starting eleven. Business as usual for the Chairboys as Grace named a strong starting lineup.

Wycombe started on the front foot, as Fred Onyedinma won the ball down the right-hand side and made a run towards the box, where Wanderers had a few opportunities to break the deadlock early on, but the shots were blocked by the Mansfield defence. Shortly after, the home side won a free kick deep in Wycombe’s half, the cross into the box met by a player in yellow, the ball bouncing off the bar.

Mansfield then lost possession twice in their own half, however, Fred’s cross was taken away before Harvie shoots over the bar from the edge of the box.

It was full of end-to-end action in the first half, with a scare for Wycombe as Humphries received the ball but it was quickly taken away, the shot from Mansfield eventually blocked by Scowen. Then, Kone was down the  other end as he lost his marker and passed to Lubala, but he shot wide.

That was mostly it for the first 45, with neither side able to find the back of the net so far.

Wycombe were awarded a penalty early on in the second half, after Lubala was tripped in the box, Kone stepping up to take. While the penalty was saved, Kone finds the goal on the rebound, finally breaking the deadlock after 58 minutes played.

Shortly after, Fred Onyedinma was taken off for Garath McCleary, Wycombe’s number 44 picking up a yellow card in the process for taking too long to come off the pitch.

Ten minutes after Wycombe’s opener, the home side levelled from a header which went over Franco.

Ravizzoli redeemed himself with a brilliant save to keep the score level.

The home side continued with their attacking momentum, Will Evans unmarked in the box but shot wide.

With two minutes left to play of normal time, Wycombe regained their lead after Garath McCleary found the net, his persistence paying off as he kept the chance alive despite pressure from Mansfield.

Anders Hagelsjkaer made his debut in light and dark blue, replacing Cameron Humphries, while Dan Udoh  came on for Bez Lubala, eight minutes of injury time added on.

Wycombe saw the game out and the referee blew for full time shortly after the 100 minute mark.

It was an important three points away from home for Wycombe Wanderers, the beginning of a new era and an interesting time for the blues.

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