Wycombe Enter the Dark Season Seeing the Light

As darkness falls and sometimes even the ball changes colour, Wycombe Wanderers enter the winter months illuminated by consecutive victories.

It has been the week manager Gary Waddock's players had been hoping for. The potential of the squad has finally shone through following an indifferent start to the season.

If the midweek 4-2 victory against a poor Barnet side served to reinvigorate the Wanderers camp, Saturday afternoon's 2-0 success at the newly named Stevenage FC represented an indicator of the team's tangible intentions. The short trip to Hertfordshire was a litmus test which could shape the future direction of both clubs, for this season at least.

Stevenage began the day two places above Wycombe however by the final whistle; it was the Chairboys who had usurped the hosts to climb into the final play-off position.

In truth, the Blues had made the game safe by half-time with a relatively comfortable margin. Kevin Betsy's header at the far post following a cross from Gareth Ainsworth opened the scoring with Stuart Beavon's converted rebound in reaction to the tireless Ainsworth's initial shot just before the break securing the three points.

The aforementioned 'Beaver', Stuart Beavon, received a standing ovation from the away contingent when replaced by Scott Rendell with six minutes remaining. He epitomised Wycombe's approach, defending from the front and displaying touches of class. The Blues were resolute in defence, swiftly switching to attack with a refreshing diversity of play.

Stevenage were mainly restricted to hopeful balls into the box, although the complexion of the game could have been changed had Jon Ashton converted and steered his header on target with Nikki Bull's goal gaping with around twenty minutes remaining. On the balance of play though, the home side displayed enough to be comfortable towards the upper echelons of League Two.

Wycombe striker Ben Strevens tried desperately hard to get on the scoresheet only to be thwarted by a smart reaction save down low from goalkeeper Chris Day.

Scott Davies, Wycombe's enfant terrible after a frustrating start to his second spell with the club and supposed online reaction (dissatisfaction) to being benched against Barnet was introduced late on.

Like Strevens, he was eager to impress. At times his attempted link-up play was overcooked and too intricate although a few smart switches of play aimed at the industrious Betsy re-affirmed his ability, even if there are unanswered questions about his temperament.

The Stevenage fans were silenced, partially by the travelling Wycombe faithful's mimicry of their 'ultra' style chanting and by their side's inability to penetrate their opposition. Wycombe fans were even treated to a fairly original rendition of 'Twist and Shout', perhaps a welcome addition to the terrace songbook.

The overarching cloud that encompasses the new stadium debate has not dissipated however on the pitch if this momentum can be sustained, there could be plenty more to twist and shout about come the end of the season.