High Wycombe 1 v West Hampstead 2
Wycombe’s slow start to the second half of the season continued and as a result, all hope of promotion is now over.
The second defeat in a row has not seen the team drop from third place, but with both the leaders to come and key defensive players out for the rest of the season, the team needs to pick themselves up quickly, if mid table obscurity is to be avoided.
The first half of this game is best forgot, because the home side were lackadaisical and second to all the 50-50 balls. The only saving grace was the dynamic play of winger Tony Cull, who almost single handed carried the fight to the opposition, and Richard Bibby who was his usual combative midfield self.
In the second half, greater application was in place and the home side competed for the ball in better spirit. This led to the first goal and one to savour for sure.
Tony Cull (who else) drove down the right flank for the umpteenth time. This time his cross had a Wycombe forward waiting in the shape of Dave Peterson, who had joined the fray only moments earlier. He collected the ball which was marginally behind him, shaped to shoot to the keepers’ right, but slipped in the act of shooting and the ball arrowed unerringly to the keepers left, and just inside the post. In 30 years of playing for High Wycombe, Dave will have not scored a more welcome goal.
This gave confidence to the side, and they started to control the game better. However this was all undone with 15 minutes left on the clock, when a visiting striker wriggled free to fire a shot which hit the post. Unluckily for Wycombe it rebounded straight out to an onrushing West Hampstead player, who reacted before the home defence, and he slotted home the equaliser with ease.
The home side battled gamely in an effort to maintain parity, but were undone by tired minds. A free hit was awarded on the 22 meter line. West Hampstead reacted quickly whilst the home side disputed the call. A pass to an unmarked striker in the ‘D’ and the game was lost in a flash.
Moments later the final whistle went and with it the main hope of glory.
Wycombe can still finish in the top three, if they apply themselves to beating the top two in the next two weeks.