GARETH AINSWORTH hailed his side’s achievement at reaching the FA Cup fourth round for only the second team in the club’s history as Wycombe saw off the brave challenge of Stourbridge in the third round.

An 83rd minute winner from Adebayo Akinfenwa broke the West Midlanders' hearts as Gary Hackett’s men sniffed an upset following Dan Scarr's equaliser with 20 minutes to go.

Substitute Sam Wood gave Wanderers a perfect start to the second half on 47 minutes when he left keeper Matt Gould flat-footed, after excellent build-up play.

Ainsworth was relieved at the final whistle that the Chairboys found a way to sneak through and was effusive in his praise for their plucky opponents. He said: “It was a fantastic game and I am delighted to have got through.

“Thank you to every Wycombe Wanderers fan today as they cheered us on and got us over the line but fair play to Stourbridge.

“They were the better team in spells and what they gave us was a real full-blooded cup tie and when they crashed one off the bar, I thought we may have this and when Bayo crops up at the back post there is usually only one outcome.”

“I said before the game that either side being in the fourth round is a fairytale and don’t dismiss how big Wycombe Wanderers being in the fourth round is. It is huge for the club and I am really proud and to get through and to be in the hat on Monday is brilliant.”

Wanderers were given a torrid time during parts of an absolutely riveting cup tie at Adams Park and Ainsworth lauded goalkeeper Jamal Blackman for the role he played.

Blackman pulled off numerous excellent saves throughout the match and the Chairboys boss added: “He kept us in the game first half with a couple of great saves.

“Jamal is a fantastic keeper who I believe will one day play in the Premier League and I can’t thank Chelsea enough for letting us extend his loan.”

With a place in the fourth round assured, the gaffer was looking at bigger fish to fry and kept his fingers crossed that Monday’s draw would be kind to the Blues.

“I would love us to get a Premier League side away from home. Other than that, a tie that has potential to see us through to the fifth round would be good enough with me,” commented Ainsworth.