Wycombe boss Ainsworth: This is a squad that can achieve

Posted Sunday, October 27, 2019 by PA

Gareth Ainsworth is taking great heart from Wycombe’s performances against Sky Bet League One’s big guns following their 1-0 triumph at Rotherham.

Ainsworth’s underdogs moved up to second thanks to Scott Kashket’s fifth-minute winner.

The goal came through indecision in Rotherham’s back-line and Kashket nipped in to fire past the out-of-position and retreating goalkeeper Daniel Iversen.

Rotherham failed to create any major openings, with manager Paul Warne feeling they were too “one dimensional”.

Warne said: “It was very disappointing. For whatever reason, and we have to look at it, we didn’t perform anywhere near our level. The lads felt a few of them under-performed. Our home form is going to have to pick up.

“If we are to have a successful season we’re going to have to get back-to-back results. Our performance was a bit predictable. It felt like we were a little bit one dimensional and a few of the lads looked really jaded. Maybe I should have made more changes.

“Wycombe played really well. After we go a goal down we get collectively frustrated. I don’t know why we under-performed but I have some thoughts.

“At the moment it’s not clicking as well as we would like.

“We might have to look at doing something different. I feel sorry for the fans because our away form has been excellent. I apologise for that.

“I’m disappointed, as are the players. We just weren’t at our best.”

Ainsworth has been encouraged by Wycombe’s performances against Rotherham, Blackpool and Sunderland from whom they have picked up a combined seven points.

He said: “To get seven out of nine from those three games is something special. It starts telling me that this is a squad that can achieve. We can go to places and put our stamp on a game.

“We don’t have to rely on luck or anything else. I was really proud of the boys.

“We wanted to try and exploit the space in behind Rotherham’s big two centre-halves and that paid dividends with the goal.

“It was a resolute defensive performance. They are a big, big side and they were pumping balls into the box.

“The back five were absolutely immense, as were the six in front of them. I thought they were outstanding. The fans helped to see the result home.

“It’s a result we deserved. I don’t think they had a shot on target but they’re obviously going to beat some teams here.

“It’s an amazing performance and a great win.”