Wycombe Prepare for Last Throw of the Dice

Willi's Wycombe

Blimey, it's been a long time since my last Wycombe Wanderers F.C blog. Unfortunately fortunes haven't improved much and Wycombe approach the final ten games of the season eight points from safety at the time of writing. February showed promise with a win against Millwall and a point against Southampton however a gutting 4-3 defeat to bottom club Stockport County deflated any sense of optimism. Wycombe have since won two points so far this month as they drew 0-0 with Carlisle United and 2-2 at fellow struggers Oldham Athletic, after conceding a last-minute equaliser.

Today's match at Adams Park against Exeter City, six points above the Blues in the final relegation spot, represents a last throw of the dice. Failure to beat Exeter will almost certainly condemn Wycombe to the drop, having begun the season with boasts of 'not being in the league to simply make up the numbers'. Close examination of the season's failings had begun long before this weekend with the
ownership battle in the summer and subsequent fall-out causing irreperable damage to events on the pitch. All of the concerns surrounding the club and tensions within the fractious fan-base will need to be put to one side in a last-ditch effort to save Wycombe from relegation this afternoon. On the bright side, the reserves have made it through to the final of the Bucks and Berks Cup having defeated old rivals Slough Town 1-0 on Tuesday.

Ahead of the game, defender Alan Bennett has had to return to Brentford, leaving Wanderers short of options in central defence although rumours have since emerged that the Irishman could make a dramatic return until the end of the season. More enouraging for the Blues, Reading defender Julian Kelly has extended his loan until the end of the season having made five starts and he netted the winner against Millwall on his debut.

It's been said before but if Wycombe are to start life in League One next season, they desperately need to build momentum. Picking up a few draws and the odd win simply will not do at this stage. Exeter have an abysmal away record, having won just twice on their travels so far this season and it is the perfect opportunity for Wycombe to kick-start a great escape. Next week is a first trip to the new home of bitter rivals Colchester United. To continue the fightback with a win in Essex would be an especially sweet continuation should Wycombe win today. For now though, the result at 4.55pm today is all that matters.


WilliWycombe is an exile from the fair town of High Wycombe, having once been a season ticket holder at Adams Park. He doesn't get to many games these days and his views are those of the exile, on the outside looking in and should be treated thusly.