GARETH Ainsworth said the physical battle between the two biggest men on the pitch opened up the space for Anthony Stewart to bag a last minute winner against Fleetwood.

The visitors rarely had a sight of the Wanderers goal thanks to an excellent rearguard action which saw goalscorer Stewart also bag the man of the match award.

But Ainsworth said it was the titanic battle between giant Fleetwood forward Jon Parkin and Blues skipper Dave Winfield that led to youngster Stewart scoring his first ever professional goal.

The Wanderers boss said: "I said to him at half time, because Jon Parkin was picking Dave Winfield up at corners they are cancelling each other out. Is anyone else going to score from a set play? Do we always have to rely on Dave? Anthony Stewart's proved me wrong - we don't always have to rely on Dave."

He paid tribute to his captain after the 1-0 win as Winfield once again shed blood for the cause.

Ainsworth said: "Dave Winfield's had a huge battle today with Jon Parkin and I think Jon Parkin might have a lot of respect now for Dave Winfield. He bullies a lot of people. He's a big, big unit and he's done that all his career and made a good career out of being a big target man.

"I think Dave gave as good as he got, and then some, today. He's come off with a big gash on his nose. I've told the lads to look at Dave's face - that's what it takes to win a game and that's what he's done for us."