Wycombe had to settle for a point in their League One fixture today against Northampton Town.
This being Sam Grace’s first home game in charge of Wycombe Wanderers, there were high expectations for the team to build on their 2-1 victory against Mansfield last weekend.
Questions were asked of his starting lineup, with Joe Low a welcome return after suffering from tonsillitis. Gideon Kodua, Brandon Hanlan and Garath McCleary were also given starts.
Kone and Onyedinma dropped to the bench, much to the confusion of many fans.
Additionally, none of Wycombe’s four recent signings made the 18 today, as they ‘continued to integrate into the squad’.
For the visiting side, their new signing, Terry Taylor started.
Wycombe started the game positively, as Leahy manages to get a shot away but is flagged for offside shortly after.
However, the home side was given an early scare as McGowan’s header found the back of the net, but was disallowed for a foul.
There was audible frustration from the home fans as Wycombe continuously struggled to keep a hold of possession, with some sloppy passes ending with the visitors in control of the ball. The referee also made some questionable decisions throughout the game.
The Chairboys had their fair share of chances throughout the first half, with Hanlan and Kodua’s crosses darting past the face of goal, but no-one was there to convert, once again, much to the frustration of the home fans. Wycombe’s closest chance stemmed from a cross into the box by McCleary, with Low meeting it but it was saved by Tzanev.
Sam Grace decided to make a change at the break, with Matt Butcher coming on for Dan Harvie.
There weren’t many highlights during the second 45, with Wycombe continuing to not play at their best, struggling to keep the ball, most notable of Wycombe’s chances coming from counter attacks but nothing came of them.
More changes were made shortly after the hour mark, Richard Kone and Jack Grimmer coming on for Hanlan and Kodua, which instantly injected Wycombe with some much needed energy, Wycombe’s best chance of the game coming from another cross by McCleary, but Scowen’s shot was saved.
Fred Onyedinma came on for Bez Lubala just before 80 minutes had been played.
Wycombe seemed to find the extra gear they had needed, Kone’s cross headed towards goal by McCleary but it was saved once again. They continued to crank up the pressure, however, nothing came of it and the game ended goalless.
Sam Grace’s first home game in charge ended in a stalemate, and the questions asked at the end of the game surrounded the lineup, why didn’t Kone start when he’s our top goal scorer and works so well with McCleary down the wing? Why didn’t Onyedinma start? And why didn’t any of the new signings make an appearance? While it’s somewhat understandable that the Danish players may need a little bit more time, why didn’t the other two start?