Ainsworth hails hat-trick hero Jacobson

Posted Sunday, September 08, 2019 by PA

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth explained his disbelief after seeing full-back Joe Jacobson score a stunning treble in the 3-1 win over Lincoln as his side climbed to the top of League One.

Jacobson scored a 20-yard free-kick within five minutes and then his 36th-minute corner, which appeared to be going in, went in via Michael Bostwick on the line.

After John Akinde had pulled one back on 50 minutes, Jacobson did it again direct from a 75th-minute corner with Lincoln keeper Josh Vickers well beaten.

Ainsworth described Jacobson’s contribution as unbelievable and admitted he had to pinch himself at the final whistle.

He said: “I have never seen two goals from a corner – and I have never seen a left-back score a hat-trick except maybe in Sunday league days. I am delighted for Joe – he is a fantastic guy.

“He gave a brilliant performance and he is so humble. He walked in with the match ball and he got a round of applause and he was almost embarrassed.

“He has been evergreen; he has his knockers, but you don’t need to have electric pace if you have the deliveries. He nearly had a fourth in the end too!

“I am really happy for the fans and the players. It is the highest position the club has ever had.”

The key talking point, however, arrived after the break. Wycombe’s Matt Bloomfield and Lincoln’s Bruno Andrade were down inside the penalty area with head injuries but play continued as half-time sub Akinde converted Jorge Grant’s cross.

Bloomfield was down on the floor for nearly nine minutes before being stretchered off, but it is understood he did not need to go to hospital.

Ainsworth added: “Some things are bigger than football. Matt Bloomfield’s condition is one of those. I was glad to see he was back on his feet. I am still flabbergasted the goal was allowed.

“Ryan [Allsop] had to step over two bodies to get to the ball – how can you say they were not interfering. I am just glad we won the game and it wasn’t the defining moment.

“I’d like to talk about the quality of the football rather than the refereeing.”

The convincing victory ensured Wycombe moved to their highest league position in their 132-year history.

Lincoln manager Danny Cowley said: “I thought it was a crazy game. The referee was inept – it was the worst performance I’ve seen in my footballing life.

“Their second was a massive foul at the near post and our goal should not have stood – there were two players down in the six-yard box.

“That standard of refereeing was so below the standard of the game it is frightening.

“I’m not questioning the officials’ values, just their execution of the law and applying the law.

“It’s been a very busy period of 10 games in 34 days, we played Wycombe who had a free week.

“But Wycombe were excellent, they were right at it, with energy and were vibrant and aggressive. They were a handful. But we’re disappointed with conceding early, not playing with personality and we have a lot to reflect on.”