Wycombe end 2024 by losing 2-1 to Charlton Athletic which also see’s an end to the 19 game unbeaten league run. In an earlier programmed match time, Wycombe struggled to get any momentum alongside hosts Charlton. Not helped by the pitch surface at the Valley, Charlton had arguably the best opportunity to break the deadlock in the first half. Good wing play by Tyrecce Campbell allowed him to get to the bylines before cutting it into the box for Luke Berry to touch home a potential opener for the Addicks. Luckily for the Chairboys backline, Berry couldn’t connect with the cross and his shot was graciously grabbed by Franco Ravizzoli. Wycombe’s best chance came to Bez Lubala and Aaron Morely who both had shots from outside of the box but neither efforts threatened Charlton’s goalkeeper Ashley Maynard-Brewer. Garath McCleary was industrious down the right wing and crossed on numerous occasions but lacked runners into the box with Dan Udoh proving to be the only solitary threat. The half time whistle proved a welcome highlight for both sides as the crowd at the Valley really struggled to get infused by the action.
But immediately from the restart, the Valley crowd were lifted by the quick attacking intent from Charlton that saw the Addicks take the lead. Within 20 seconds of the restart, Josh Edwards crossed into the box for Miles Leaburn who hooked his foot in front of Joe Low to apply the finish. A somewhat shell shocked Wycombe side struggled to apply themselves into the game and eight minutes later, Leaburn extended the lead for Charlton. Wycombe were lethargic in a midfield passage of play, where the Chairboys players were expecting a foul to be called by the referee. But Charlton played on and Luke Berry released Leaburn who ran down at Ravizzoli who applied an intricate finish by chipping the Argentine keeper and putting Charlton further ahead.
Wycombe lacked ideas and this was certainly an abnormal performance who have normally been more industrious in creating opportunities. Matt Bloomfield immediately tried to address this by bringing on Fred Onyedinma and Richard Kone for Bez Lubala and Garath McCleary before adding Josh Scowen and Gideon Kodua a further ten minutes later. Charlton however continued to control the tempo of the game and frustrating Wycombe from creating any clear cut opportunities. But some perseverance from Richard Kone six minutes from time added some tension to the game. Kone superbly controlled the ball on the edge of the Charlton area, holding off two Charlton players before dummying and sliding a shot into the far corner of Maynard-Brewer’s net to provide a lifeline for the Chairboys. The Charlton faithful got nervous their onwards as the referee appeared to award Wycombe a number of free kicks 3o yards from the Charlton goal. However Wycombe really struggled to make the most of these opportunities as Charlton’s backline dealt with the pressure applied by Wycombe. And despite an additional seven minutes added, Charlton saw out the game and continued their unbeaten run which now extends to four games. As for Wycombe, it was evident to see some frustration and deflation across the players faces. The Chairboys will now want to put things right on Wednesday as they entertain Exeter City on New Years Day at Adams Park.
