Gareth Ainsworth happy to see Wycombe ‘among the big boys’ after win at Bolton

Gareth Ainsworth was delighted to see Wycombe “among the big boys” after they earned a first away win since November at Bolton to move up to third in the League One table.

An Aristote Nsiala own goal and a Joe Jacobson penalty secured the Chairboys a 2-0 win over the league’s bottom club, leaving them a single point behind top two Rotherham and Coventry.

“It’s brilliant to see Wycombe Wanderers among the big boys,” said Ainsworth.

“With 12 games to go we are excited to see what we can do.

“There will be plenty of twists and turns yet.

“But if we win and lose every game alternately between now and the end of the season we will end up in the play-offs.

“That will be an unbelievable achievement. The remit has never ever been to get into the Championship.

“It has never even been to get into the play-offs or the top half. The remit has been to improve on last season.

“We have done that today which is a momentous occasion. I have also been informed this is our highest points tally at this stage of the season for 18 years.

“It is a proud moment and hopefully we can kick on from here.”

Wycombe won 2-0 in the first ever meeting between the clubs on the opening day of the season in August.

And once defender Nsiala turned in Jason McCarthy’s cross after 44 minutes, Ainsworth’s side were always likely to come out on top.

“There was a bit of pressure on the game because everyone has been beating Bolton,” Ainsworth admitted.

“They have brought in Keith Hill who is a good friend and a fantastic manager and he will sort this out given time.

“They are in a tough position and I do feel sorry for the fans and the club. However, I think we have got them still when this club is in turmoil.”

Under pressure Hill, with his team 19 points off safety, said: “The results make us all emotional.

“Anxiety got into the game in the second half and that is not a recipe for success.

“The players are trying, they are doing everything they can. But when you are on this type of run, it becomes difficult

“You find it difficult expressing yourself in a footballing manner.

“We want to win matches and we are preparing to win matches. You have got to stick to your plan, your desire, your determination.

“Not winning games is a concern more for the players than it is for me.

“I have been a player and I have been on bad runs. Sometimes on a bad run you can play well and lose a game and you feel quite good about it.

“Sometimes, though, you lose a game badly and I think the second half reflected that today.

“I said to the players we can shout and beat each other up but I don’t think that is the answer.”