Chairboys On the Road – Wycombe Upset Royals in Gritty Showdown

Nigel Lonwijk’s sensational scissor kick was cancelled out by Sam Smith’s header before late Lubala penalty secures 3 points for the Chairboys.

Wycombe made the short trip up the M4 to Berkshire rivals Reading looking to end a poor record on Saturday. Reading had never conceded more than 1 goal at home to Wycombe in their past meetings and had also never lost at home to the Chairboys.

The Royals were expecting their biggest crowd of the season at the Select Car Leasing Stadium, still known by most as the Madejski. Around 1600 Wanderers fans made the trip to create a great atmosphere.

Wycombe dominated the early stages as the under par Royals struggled to contain them. Great work down the flanks from wingers Sadlier and the returning McCleary put pressure on the Reading box.

The first goal went Wycombe’s way on 16 minutes when Lubala headed Freddie Potts ball into the area towards the waiting Nigel Lonwijk. The centre half expertly blasted an aerial scissor kick into the bottom corner of the stunned Button’s goal. What a way to open your account for the Wolves loanee.

Wycombe’s dominance continued as they pushed for a second goal, earning a series of corners and creating plenty of chances in the attacking third.

A particularly impressive move in the 42nd minute saw a flowing passage of play involving Grimmer, Scowen, Butcher, and McCleary, Only for Sadlier to somehow steer it wide at the far post. The wanderers fans were up, expecting the net to bulge, only to be disappointed. Despite the Chairboys’ dominance, they were unable to extend their lead before the halftime whistle.

The atmosphere at the Madejski was rising, with around 1600 Wycombe fans bringing the noise. Despite Reading’s underperformance, their supporters were buoyant anticipating a turnaround in the second half as they aimed to maintain their unbeaten record against Wycombe at home.

Reading gaffer Ruben Selles made a double change at half time with Charlie Savage replacing Michael Craig and the somewhat unlucky Kelvin Ehibhatiomhan replaced by Ben Elliott.

Selles’ changes and words at half time had certainly made an impact with the substitutes both impressing and former Chairboy Lewis Wing getting on the ball more and directing the play.

Femi Azeez was always looking dangerous for the hosts with plenty of balls into the Wycombe box causing havoc.

Wycombe chief Matt Blloomfield knew some freshness was need with Sam Vokes coming on followed by Jason McCarthy and Chem Campbell around 5 minutes later.

Azeez was involved again when the Royals drew level in the 74th minute. Some slick play around the Chairboys low block manoeuvred Azeez into a great position to pick out Sam Smith who made no mistake with a powerful header for his 9th league goal of the season.

The tables had turned, Reading were in the ascendancy, both sets of fans could feel it and the Royals faithful matched their teams second half performance by raising the noise level.

Harvey Knibbs fancied his chances with 2 efforts following the goal but couldn’t find the back of the net.

More balls were delivered into the Wycombe box but the Chairboys backline and glovesman Ravizzoli stood strong and would not let anything past them, much to the relief of the travelling wanderers fans.

With time running out, Wycombe made a rare foray into Reading territory. The ball was played up to target man Vokes who played in Chem Campbell down the right hand side. Campbell drove into the box and drew a clumsy foul from Reading’s Clinton Mola, referee Carl Brook had no option but to point to the penalty spot.

Wycombe have had mixed success from the spot this season, therefore Bez Lubala stepped up to be Wanderers’ 4th penalty taker of the season. Lubala had ice in his veins and cooly struck the ball down the middle to send the Wanderers fans wild in the 88th minute.

It looked like the boys from Bucks had stolen the victory but with 7 minutes added time Reading still had time to try and force an equaliser. And try they did but they could not find a way past Wycombe and Ravizzoli who once again showed the grit that they were so famous for under former manager Gareth Ainsworth.

The away end erupted at the sound of Carl Brook’s final whistle, their Reading jinx had been lifted! Wycombe had nicked it at the death, 2-1.

My Player of the match: Nigel Lonwijk

Chiefs Chatter:

Chairboys Chief Matt Bloomfield: “Those were incredible scenes at the end. We had to dig in but found that special moment.”

Royals Chief Ruben Selles: “We know we weren’t good enough in the first half but we were good enough in the second half to get something. But we need to be more consistent with what we do.”