Ainsworth’s choice words draw right response from Wycombe players

Posted Wednesday, September 18, 2019 by PA

Some choice half-time words made all the difference for Gareth Ainsworth as Wycombe fought back to rescue a 1-1 draw against Accrington.

Dion Charles’ header put Stanley ahead at half-time with Wycombe in danger of recording back-to-back defeats following a promising start to the season.

But a rejuvenated second-half display saw Nick Freeman level from the spot, with manager Ainsworth – rumoured to be in contention for the vacant Lincoln job – rewarded for his half-time approach.

“A draw against Accrington at home is the best result we have had here for a few years, but five more minutes and we could have been the aggressors and taken all three points,” said Ainsworth.

“I think we could have had another penalty and I think that one of their players is lucky to stay on the pitch.

“It’s tough to take but John Coleman has a good side, they have a real tenacity about them and they are in a false position, they will rise again.

“I did have to have some choice words at half-time, we were a bit lacklustre and outmuscled. Stopping that one-game losing streak is key, the heady heights of third is fantastic for Wycombe.

“We came out much better after the break and matched their physicality.

“I want to manage in the Championship, that is every manager’s next step, but my preferred option is to do it with Wycombe.”

The energetic Jordan Clark was instrumental in Accrington’s strong first half, enjoying numerous chances before crossing for Charles to nod home the opener.

Wycombe responded as Scott Kashket was crowded out and won a penalty which Freeman converted with 18 minutes to go.

Not that John Coleman was particularly enthused by the decision against his side.

“I think ‘dubious penalty’ and Accrington Stanley go hand in hand at the moment,” said the Accrington boss.

“We expected Wycombe to come out in the second half and have a go, we stood up to them really well, we defended really well and we made chances as well, we had the two best chances of the second half.

“What I am pleased about is how resolute we were defensively, the physical presence we showed when Adebayo Akinfenwa came on because he is always going to be a handful.

“[Goalkeeper] Dimitar Evtimov commanded his box and apart from the penalty he didn’t have a save to make and that is pleasing, that is testament to how well we defended.

“There have been a lot of harsh words after the weekend defeat, and the lads responded really well.

“We are disappointed we did not hurt them enough in the second half. We were wasteful in possession and that is what cost us all three points.”