Wycombe Wanderers Still Living in Hope of the Greatest Escape

Willi's Wycombe

Wycombe Wanderers claimed their first win in nine games last Saturday as they defeated Hartlepool United 2-0 at Adams Park. This was followed on Tuesday night by a trip to the Wirral to face fellow strugglers, Tranmere Rovers. Wycombe secured a rare set of successive victories, thrashing their hosts 3-0.

These two wins, coming at the tail-end of a largely miserable season, have re-ignited faint hopes of what would surely be the greatest of escapes. The Blues remain six points away from Gillingham who occupy the final position of safety however their inferior goal difference would still see them relegated, should that decisive caveat prove a determining factor.

The Blues have been here before. In the depths of winter last December, wins against Millwall, Brentford and Stockport reduced the margin between them and safety to a similar fraction of points. Even as recently as February, following draws against Brentford and Southampton and a second victory against Millwall, fans were plotting the Chairboys' escape route.

Only the dismal month of March appeared to extinguish any chances of survival as the supporters were beginning to bitterly reflect on the problems affecting all aspects of the club.

In truth, March and early April were a time of missed opportunities and a reflection of the disappointing reality that Wycombe were probably not good enough to remain in League One. The haunting spectre of relegation had loomed large throughout a campaign that until Tuesday night, had only seen six successes.

These recent two wins, scoring five goals and earning two clean sheets in the process, could represent a reversal in fortunes. Striker Alex Revell had only claimed one goal since arriving on loan from Southend at the beginning of the year. This was a penalty away at Bristol Rovers in January.

Against Hartlepool, however, he produced a Man of the Match display and scored twice against Tranmere, one a clever chip over a stranded goalkeeper. Matt Bloomfield has also returned to the side and is starting to reproduce the form that made Wycombe's current longest serving player a fans' favourite.

Wycombe manager Gary Waddock has attempted to create an emphasis on exciting, attacking football since his arrival. Speaking about the end of season run-in, he told wwfc.com, "We want to win every game - that's how me and Martin (Kuhl) go about it. We want to be on the front foot and be attack-minded."

Waddock's sentiments have been re-iterated throughout his tenure. Now that their action is combined with the resurgence of the team and individual players, hopefully it won't be a case of 'too little, too late'.

Players and fans alike will be hoping that these omens bode well for a memorable end of season. The fact remains though, only victories against MK Dons, Swindon, Leyton Orient and Gillingham can turn the pipedream of survival into an almost unfathomable reality.