By Jon Harries
Normally I’d start with a brief synopsis of the previous game. Build the picture ahead of the next fixture. In truth apart from the first 30 minutes where Twine and Parrott had great opportunities to put us in the lead, it really didn’t go to plan. Tafazolli won a header from a corner and found the back of the net. It was a mismatch v Harvie in all honesty plus Cumming got no protection in my eyes anyway from the referee. Once Wycombe got the lead then their game plan was set in stone. Cheap fouls, breaking up play setting the tempo. It was getting to our young squad and the Wanderers faithful were loving it. The second half got worse with McEachran sent off for a second booking, McCarthy hitting the bar soon after and Vokes netting a second late on. The lack of “Big Match Mentality” struck again. But it’s far from over.
Throughout this season this squad have faced many different challenges. Losing their manager 6 days before the start of the season, getting well beaten by Rotherham at home, the double Easter setback. Each time coming back even stronger. No one expected such a strong, consistent season. Beating the top two away from home, Portsmouth, Charlton, Lincoln twice, Sunderland and beating Rotherham with ten men. My point being when the pressure is off this team perform. A two-goal deficit does seem a lot on paper, an uphill task, but not Impossible.
The Man in Focus will be Joe Jacobsen for me. Wycombe will play the waiting game no doubt, they will be happy to soak up pressure, waste time, play it long. Any free kick or corner they win Jacobsen will be over. His set piece delivery is second to none, as proved on Thursday. He doesn’t mind scoring direct from a corner either. Defensively can be found out by pace and trickery which makes my starting 11 a must.
Predicted Line-up
Cumming
Kesler – O’Hora – Darling – Lewington – Harvie
Coventry – Kasumu
Corbeanu – Parrott – Twine
I beg Liam Manning picks this side, 10 of the 11 played against Wycombe at Adams Park in January and played them off the park. The movement of the front three causing problems with their pace and movement. Kasumu can be the enforcer and must dictate the midfield. Harry Darling must lead from the back. In short play our game, our style that got us to 3rd and anything is possible.
I predict a 3-0-win AET. This seems mad, bonkers in fact get the straight jackets ready at Stadium MK, but with what has been said earlier in the preview. This season is far from over, Theo x 2 and Twine. Let’s get Stadium MK rocking. East Stand, Cowshed, Family Corner, Club Red. Wycombe are in our back yard. Let’s show them who owns the county. Even if it doesn’t go to plan early on.
Back the Boys, Together As One.
COYD.
