Wycombe Wanderers’ winless league run has stretched to 10 games after Port Vale scored a 90th-minute equaliser to secure a 1-1 draw at Adams Park.
A Kieran Sadlier strike just after half-time, which was his first league goal for the club, looked to have given the Chairboys their first victory since October, but James Wilson’s finish in the dying moments means the wait goes on for three points.
The home side nearly took the lead on four minutes when Luke Leahy’s dipping half-volley looped over Connor Ripley also the crossbar.
Wanderers’ supremacy continued throughout the opening stages as Sam Vokes headed wide from a Garath McCleary cross, Joe Low’s header forced Ripley into a save, before Sadlier also made the keeper work with a low drive from range.
Josh Scowen and Killian Phillips also tried their luck, and despite Vale looking nervy at the back, they couldn’t break down their stubborn defence.
The chances continued as Leahy and Sadlier went close again, but the two sides went in goalless at the break.
Wycombe’s control as the second period began as they eventually got their goal just after the break.
On 51 minutes, a McCleary cross was fired home by Sadlier on the half-volley from close-range.
It was the 29-year-old’s first in the league for the Chairboys since joining in September, with it being his second of the campaign.
Wycombe continued to push forward as substitutes Dale and Lyle Taylor went close, but there was drama in the final moments as Port Vale scored late on.
Right on the 90, James Wilson, who had been on the pitch for a matter of minutes, fired home an equaliser for the Valiants in a game in which they offered little to no attacking threat.
It was the ex-Manchester United man’s third goal of the season, and his first since the end of August.
It’s also the second consecutive season he has managed to get on the scoresheet for Vale against Wycombe at Adams Park.
The result means Wanderers are now winless in 10, but move up one place into 17th.
Up next for the Chairboys is Exeter City on Boxing Day, before they end the year away at Leyton Orient.
Fact from the match: Wycombe Wanderers have not won a league game at home to Port Vale since November 2008 – a run that stretches more than 5,000 days.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here