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.
Showing posts with label kevin betsy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kevin betsy. Show all posts
Sunday, 3 October 2010
Sunday, 21 February 2010
The Good and the Ugly; Wycombe Keep Fans Dreaming
Willi's Wycombe 2.1
Over the last month, it's been a case of the good and the ugly at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Having played Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Brentford and Millwall since the last blog, Wanderers are still five points off safety but there are signs of hope. Certainly there was an air of resignation in my last Wycombe post and it's worth pointing out that the Blues are only two points better off than before. Despite this, aided by a slew of loan signings, the team are finally starting to pick up points on a regular basis.
Wanderers have enjoyed playing both Bristol Rovers and Millwall this season, having beaten them home and away. The Blues picked up their fifth win of the season at the Memorial Ground with a battling 3-2 success against Rovers. Penalty specialist Matt Harrold added to his tally to put the away side ahead before the Gas replied with a two goal salvo that might have seen Wycombe crumble. Instead they fought back and penalty duties were handed to new-boy Alex Revell who grabbed his first goal for the club to restore parity. Stuart Beavon's performances of attacking guile and endeavour are fast making him a cult-hero at Adam Park and the 'Beaver' sent around 450 Wycombe fans into ecstasy with an eightieth minute winner.
From this good came a moment of ugliness so blinding that just to glimpse at it, would send the viewer mad. That's certainly how Wycombe fans and no doubt manager Gary Waddock felt, when Yeovil Town came to the home of football in Buckinghamshire. Having suffered a dreary 4-0 defeat at the hands of the visitors on Boxing Day, you would think that the Blues had all the motivation they needed. Sadly, Wycombe may have grabbed a consolation through Matt Harrold from open-play but Yeovil repeated the trick and ran away 4-1 winners. Luke Oliver was introduced to the field of play for the injured lynchpin Adam Hinshelwood and the capitulation began in earnest with Yeovil scoring three times in fifteen minutes. Goalkeeper Scott Shearer also put in an abject display and he has since been sacrificed with Manchester United 'keeper Tom Heaton brought in on loan for the rest of the season.
Usually the thought of an imminent local derby (of sorts) would galvanise the support however the mood going into the game at Griffin Park to face Brentford was downbeat. Eight-hundred and eighty-eight hardy souls braved a cold day to witness a slight upturn in fortunes as Wanderers collected a point in a 1-1 draw. Kevin Betsy's slotted finish had put Wycombe ahead just before the half-hour mark. They held on until fifteen minutes from time, Bees striker Myles Weston spoiling the party.
Talking of Bees, Gary Waddock has brought in out of favour Brentford defender Alan Bennett on a one-month loan. The Irishman went straight into the starting line-up to face Millwall this weekend as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners. The Lions had a penalty saved by Tom Heaton and were unlucky not to score having hit the woodwork too. Not that Wycombe will care. Right-back Julian Kelly, another loanee, this time from Reading, scored a fortuitous goal with his cross into the box evading everyone to plant itself in the back of the net. To add to the drama, Wycombe had Gareth Ainsworth sent-off for violent conduct. Former Blue Tony Craig spat feathers from the sidelines as Ainsworth headed for the tunnel and my sources tell me that the heated exchanges continued after the final whistle.
Flippancy aside, Ainsworth's absence will dent Wycombe's chances of continuing their point-scoring run such is the influence he has exerted in a short space of time. Wanderers could certainly do with his presence as they prepare to face a rampant Southampton side at home on Tuesday night. Even more crucially, Wycombe travel to fellow strugglers Stockport County next week. The phrase 'six-pointer' was invented for these games. Wycombe desperately need to land the final knock-out blow to Stockport's survival chances and create a strong platform to improve their own. There are now only six points between the bottom four and mid-table. A whole host of clubs are now in a dogfight. Tranmere, once seemingly doomed themselves, have clawed their way out of the relegation zone. If Wycombe are to follow, now is the time. We're approaching League One endgame.
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.
Over the last month, it's been a case of the good and the ugly at Wycombe Wanderers F.C. Having played Bristol Rovers, Yeovil Town, Brentford and Millwall since the last blog, Wanderers are still five points off safety but there are signs of hope. Certainly there was an air of resignation in my last Wycombe post and it's worth pointing out that the Blues are only two points better off than before. Despite this, aided by a slew of loan signings, the team are finally starting to pick up points on a regular basis.
Wanderers have enjoyed playing both Bristol Rovers and Millwall this season, having beaten them home and away. The Blues picked up their fifth win of the season at the Memorial Ground with a battling 3-2 success against Rovers. Penalty specialist Matt Harrold added to his tally to put the away side ahead before the Gas replied with a two goal salvo that might have seen Wycombe crumble. Instead they fought back and penalty duties were handed to new-boy Alex Revell who grabbed his first goal for the club to restore parity. Stuart Beavon's performances of attacking guile and endeavour are fast making him a cult-hero at Adam Park and the 'Beaver' sent around 450 Wycombe fans into ecstasy with an eightieth minute winner.
From this good came a moment of ugliness so blinding that just to glimpse at it, would send the viewer mad. That's certainly how Wycombe fans and no doubt manager Gary Waddock felt, when Yeovil Town came to the home of football in Buckinghamshire. Having suffered a dreary 4-0 defeat at the hands of the visitors on Boxing Day, you would think that the Blues had all the motivation they needed. Sadly, Wycombe may have grabbed a consolation through Matt Harrold from open-play but Yeovil repeated the trick and ran away 4-1 winners. Luke Oliver was introduced to the field of play for the injured lynchpin Adam Hinshelwood and the capitulation began in earnest with Yeovil scoring three times in fifteen minutes. Goalkeeper Scott Shearer also put in an abject display and he has since been sacrificed with Manchester United 'keeper Tom Heaton brought in on loan for the rest of the season.
Usually the thought of an imminent local derby (of sorts) would galvanise the support however the mood going into the game at Griffin Park to face Brentford was downbeat. Eight-hundred and eighty-eight hardy souls braved a cold day to witness a slight upturn in fortunes as Wanderers collected a point in a 1-1 draw. Kevin Betsy's slotted finish had put Wycombe ahead just before the half-hour mark. They held on until fifteen minutes from time, Bees striker Myles Weston spoiling the party.
Talking of Bees, Gary Waddock has brought in out of favour Brentford defender Alan Bennett on a one-month loan. The Irishman went straight into the starting line-up to face Millwall this weekend as the Blues ran out 1-0 winners. The Lions had a penalty saved by Tom Heaton and were unlucky not to score having hit the woodwork too. Not that Wycombe will care. Right-back Julian Kelly, another loanee, this time from Reading, scored a fortuitous goal with his cross into the box evading everyone to plant itself in the back of the net. To add to the drama, Wycombe had Gareth Ainsworth sent-off for violent conduct. Former Blue Tony Craig spat feathers from the sidelines as Ainsworth headed for the tunnel and my sources tell me that the heated exchanges continued after the final whistle.
Flippancy aside, Ainsworth's absence will dent Wycombe's chances of continuing their point-scoring run such is the influence he has exerted in a short space of time. Wanderers could certainly do with his presence as they prepare to face a rampant Southampton side at home on Tuesday night. Even more crucially, Wycombe travel to fellow strugglers Stockport County next week. The phrase 'six-pointer' was invented for these games. Wycombe desperately need to land the final knock-out blow to Stockport's survival chances and create a strong platform to improve their own. There are now only six points between the bottom four and mid-table. A whole host of clubs are now in a dogfight. Tranmere, once seemingly doomed themselves, have clawed their way out of the relegation zone. If Wycombe are to follow, now is the time. We're approaching League One endgame.
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.
Monday, 25 January 2010
Willi's Wycombe 1.2
It has been a frenetic few weeks for Wycombe Wanderers. Since the last blog, Wanderers' league position is little improved however there is hope amongst the faithful that the spate of new signgings will act as a catalyst for a revival. At the very least, manager Gary Waddock is attempting to build a squad capable of promotion straight back to League One, if required.
The task of avoiding relegation looks daunting. Wycombe are seven points from safety and have played up to three games more than some of their nearest rivals. Their last victory came at home against bottom club Stockport County, at a time when hope of a great escape was tangible. Following the last update, Wycombe have recorded a morale boosting draw away at Leeds United with Jon Paul-Pittman again on the scoresheet with a classy finish. Indeed, Leeds were allegedly suitably impressed with the American striker, instigating rumours of a possible transfer though no approach has so far been made. Pittman scored again in the 2-1 reverse at home to much fancied Charlton Athletic and Wycombe picked up another point on the road last Saturday with on-loan West Ham midfielder Josh Payne equalising on his debut when the Blues played Southend United.
The January transfer window has seen a glut of activity at Adams Park. Perhaps the most high-profile piece of business was the departure of Tommy Doherty. Doherty left the club having failed to reconcile with Gary Waddock who released Doherty to Wycombe when he was in charge at Queens Park Rangers. The combative midfielder had a successful spell at the club and was twice named in the League Two Team of the Year. Certainly, his presence as a player was influential both physically and psychologically, albeit not always in keeping within the right spirit. Doherty had flitted in and out of the team over the course of this season as his powers appeared to wane, despite the occasional characteristic flourish of class. Waddock obviously weighed up Doherty's contribution with the undesriable elements of his temperement and made his decision based on what he considered would be the more advantageous for the club.
Kevin Betsy has returned on a permanent basis from Southend, citing his previous stint at the Blues as his most successful and enjoyable. Striker Alex Revell has also joined from Southend, initially on an emergency loan owing to complications with the player's registration. Goalkeeper Jamie Young has left the club by mutual consent, four years and forty-eight games later. The position vacated by Young has quickly been filled by young goalie Steve Arnold, signed from Eastleigh. Recent developments have also seen Wycombe bring in Bristol City goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, a former Ireland U-21 international. And finally, on-loan Josh Payne, whose impressive strike rescued a point last weekend, will stay at the club until the end of February. Arguably the most eye-catching signing has been that of former Peterborough United midfielder Dean Keates, who like Arnold, has a deal until the end of season. More signings are expected with a bid already turned down for Aldershot player Scott Donelly, who is said to be desperate to team up again with former boss Waddock.
Meanwhile, proposals for the building of a new 'Community Stadium' to house Wycombe and rugby union side London Wasps have been further discussed publicly by Wycombe District Council. The figure of £700,000 has been earmarked for the development. Despite protestations from numerous residents and fan groups, the Council have stated that they are committed to the move with the 2014-15 season targetted for opening although the aforementioned hurdles could delay the process. With Wanderers' increasing debt mountain and the commercial benefit to London Wasps, the supporters within the Council, along with Managing Director Steve Hayes will no doubt continue to drive the project. The overall benefits to Wanderers and the town in general remain unclear.
The task of avoiding relegation looks daunting. Wycombe are seven points from safety and have played up to three games more than some of their nearest rivals. Their last victory came at home against bottom club Stockport County, at a time when hope of a great escape was tangible. Following the last update, Wycombe have recorded a morale boosting draw away at Leeds United with Jon Paul-Pittman again on the scoresheet with a classy finish. Indeed, Leeds were allegedly suitably impressed with the American striker, instigating rumours of a possible transfer though no approach has so far been made. Pittman scored again in the 2-1 reverse at home to much fancied Charlton Athletic and Wycombe picked up another point on the road last Saturday with on-loan West Ham midfielder Josh Payne equalising on his debut when the Blues played Southend United.
The January transfer window has seen a glut of activity at Adams Park. Perhaps the most high-profile piece of business was the departure of Tommy Doherty. Doherty left the club having failed to reconcile with Gary Waddock who released Doherty to Wycombe when he was in charge at Queens Park Rangers. The combative midfielder had a successful spell at the club and was twice named in the League Two Team of the Year. Certainly, his presence as a player was influential both physically and psychologically, albeit not always in keeping within the right spirit. Doherty had flitted in and out of the team over the course of this season as his powers appeared to wane, despite the occasional characteristic flourish of class. Waddock obviously weighed up Doherty's contribution with the undesriable elements of his temperement and made his decision based on what he considered would be the more advantageous for the club.
Kevin Betsy has returned on a permanent basis from Southend, citing his previous stint at the Blues as his most successful and enjoyable. Striker Alex Revell has also joined from Southend, initially on an emergency loan owing to complications with the player's registration. Goalkeeper Jamie Young has left the club by mutual consent, four years and forty-eight games later. The position vacated by Young has quickly been filled by young goalie Steve Arnold, signed from Eastleigh. Recent developments have also seen Wycombe bring in Bristol City goalkeeper Stephen Henderson, a former Ireland U-21 international. And finally, on-loan Josh Payne, whose impressive strike rescued a point last weekend, will stay at the club until the end of February. Arguably the most eye-catching signing has been that of former Peterborough United midfielder Dean Keates, who like Arnold, has a deal until the end of season. More signings are expected with a bid already turned down for Aldershot player Scott Donelly, who is said to be desperate to team up again with former boss Waddock.
Meanwhile, proposals for the building of a new 'Community Stadium' to house Wycombe and rugby union side London Wasps have been further discussed publicly by Wycombe District Council. The figure of £700,000 has been earmarked for the development. Despite protestations from numerous residents and fan groups, the Council have stated that they are committed to the move with the 2014-15 season targetted for opening although the aforementioned hurdles could delay the process. With Wanderers' increasing debt mountain and the commercial benefit to London Wasps, the supporters within the Council, along with Managing Director Steve Hayes will no doubt continue to drive the project. The overall benefits to Wanderers and the town in general remain unclear.
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