WANDERERS swept Aylesbury aside to reach the semi-finals of the Berks & Bucks Cup as they look to retain the trophy.

Goals by Charlie Griffin and Ikechi Anya sealed the game which saw Steve Brown's youngsters cope with the physical presence of Aylesbury.

Brown said: "It's a good competition because it allows the youngsters to play against men.

"These sides are physically stronger and if the lads allow themselves to get caught into a physical battle they won't win it.

"It encourages them to pass the ball and move the ball about so they don't get involved in a physical battle.

"Sometimes, when we get too much of the ball like we did in the first half, they become complacent and make mistakes.

"But it's a good opportunity for them to get their confidence and gain a foothold in the game and they can try things.

"There's no way these lads will be bullied out there. They're tough characters and when you're confident, you can keep knocking someone down but they'll always get back up again."

Wanderers featured Keith Ryan and Charlie Griffin on their return from injury, with Aidan Collins also playing alongside Ryan at centre half. Will Antwi also came on as a substitute.

But it was youngsters Ikechi Anya and Andy Savage who immediately caught the eye, with Anya a constant torment of Aylesbury's full backs while Savage impressed with his threat up front.

Brown said: "What I love about Andy Savage is he's a 100 per centre. Having played the game for many years, that's what I made a living out of. If you play with enthusiasm and effort, you always have a chance.

"I don't want to say too much about Ikechi because his performances speak for themselves.

"I remember last year in the Berks & Bucks, Ikechi was outstanding. Those sort of performances are the standard he's set now and I expect for every game.

"He's so talented that it would be wrong of me as a coach to let him fall below those standards."

Savage nearly set up Wycombe's opener on 15 minutes when he released Griffin only for the forward to hit a weak shot.

In freezing-cold conditions, Wycombe always had the upper hand but could have been embarrassed on 52 minutes when a Collins slip let in Leon Gutzmore. But he lost his composure on a bobbly pitch and hit the ball wide.

Griffin showed Aylesbury how to do it a minute later when he calmly rifled a shot into the far corner after creating the shooting chance.

Antwi, on as a half-time sub, thought he had scored on 61 minutes but his header was cleared off the line.

Wanderers made the game safe just three minutes later when Anya's 35-yard free kick from the left eluded everyone and found its way into the net, though Collins also claimed the final touch.

Griffin could have sealed victory but lashed his shot over but it was still a comfortable win for Blues.

Brown said: "It's a fantastic result. I'm delighted for the youngsters, who did well."

Blues now face Beaconsfield Sycob in the semi-final, due to take place at Adams Park.

Wanderers: Williams, Christen (Kamara 72), Bunting, Gregory, Collins, Ryan (Antwi h-t), Anya, Mulvaney, Savage, Griffin (Boateng 85), Giambano. Not used: Brown, Thornton.