Match Reports

Wycombe dump Swansea City out of the Carabao Cup

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A resilient performance from the Chairboys saw them beat Swansea thanks to a solitary Richard Kone’s goal in the first half. Matt Bloomfield made some forced changes to the squad with Aaron Morley cup-tied and Jack Grimmer still injured.

He also reintroduced Declan Skura after his role in the previous round against Northampton Town. This didn’t affect Wycombe as they more than matched their Championship opponents. The Chairboys were the first out of the blocks when Josh Scowen got a shot on target but straight into the arms of Swan’s goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux. He would later have a shot cleared off the line moments later. 

From the early scares, Swansea started to press with their possession and started to settle more into the Wycombe half but failed to threaten. More often than not, Franco Ravizzoli was more of a spectator as he saw endless attempts failing to hit anywhere near his posts. Kyle Naughton’s shot in the 25th minute was the only real threat as it deflected wide for a corner. The Chairboys however always looked threatening on the counterattack, in particular with Gideon Kodua’s work rate on the right demonstrating the grit and team spirit the squad showed on the night. And Kodua almost worked an opener when he released Kieran Sadlier through on goal. Sadlier however lacked composure and scuffed his effort wide to the relief of the Swansea fans. 

But Wycombe were soon to be rewarded after a quick throw-in routine by Jasper Pattenden was worked well between Richard Kone and Matt Butcher before working themselves into the Swansea box. Kone took his chance and Wycombe deservedly led 1-0. With Swansea shell-shocked, they were looking to dust themselves down as the halftime whistle was blown by the referee. 

In the second half, Swansea increased the tempo and assertiveness of the game. Matt Grimes had one of the better chances for the Swans but from close range, he couldn’t get his shot on target. Florian Bianichi’s trickery and pace down Wycombe’s left was also a cause for concern but Alex Hartridge dealt with the threat on multiple occasions.  Matt Bloomfield looked to shore up the team with a quadruple substitution of Cameron Humphreys, Daniel Harvie, Dan Udoh and Gareth McCleary in place of Kieran Sadlier, Gideon Kodua, Richard Kone and Josh Scowen.  

With the constant chords of “Chairboys” being heard from the corner of the stadium, the travelling faithful were also playing their part. And the Wycombe backline stood firm, typified by the performance of Declan Skuse who was assured and composed when called upon. Swansea struggled to muster an effort on goal despite their constant possession and pressure in the Wycombe half and the Chairboys were ecstatic to hear the full-time whistle which was a reward for their efforts. Wycombe were rewarded with a third-round tie against Premier League opponents Aston Villa, which will be played at Adams Park. 

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