Gareth Ainsworth was delighted with his side’s professional display in their 2-0 win over Hartlepool United on Saturday.

Goals from Adebayo Akinfenwa and Paris Cowan-Hall sealed an important three points for the Chairboys, who saw Cowan-Hall sent off in the last minute.

Ainsworth said the game plan was executed perfectly. He said: “That is exactly how we wanted to go about our business.

“We wanted to press Hartlepool in their own half and if you let them pass the ball about there are some decent players in their side.

“We tried to starve the service into Lewis Alessandra and Nathan Thomas and we forced them to hit it long.”

“Hartlepool have beaten good teams recently for a reason so we wanted to avoid a slip-up and I thought we played some great football.

“The first goal was one of the best footballing wise we have scored this season and Paris took the second goal really well.”

“A result like this adds to the confidence of the boys because we went 1-0 up, had a wobble, although all teams do, but then we saw the game out really strongly.”

Unfortunately for Ainsworth, Cowan-Hall was given his marching orders right at the end after a melee.

Referee David Webb had already booked the winger for what looked like a harsh handball and the Chairboys gaffer defended his player.

He explained: “I honestly think Paris was the victim there. I know he can be a bit in your face at times but it was 10 yards away from me and Paris was being held to the floor.

“I am pretty confident that there is no blame attached to Paris at all. He said to my face that he didn’t do anything and I believe him.”

However, the win came at a cost as both Akinfenwa and Aaron Pierre left the field with injuries, on top of Cowan-Hall’s suspension for Saturday’s game with Notts County.

Ainsworth added: “We lost two through injury and we have one suspended and we need the cavalry to come back from the treatment room, although we hope to have a few back next week.

“We have a good chance now to put some points on the board. I have told the boys now no pressure all season, but now let’s turn the key a little bit.”

The Wycombe boss singled out Sam Saunders and Dayle Southwell for praise after both turned in superb displays at Victoria Park.

The 44-year-old added: “Sam had one of his best games so far. I thought he was back to his bubbly self.

“Dayle worked so hard. He is probably best centrally but I have been playing him on the right of the front three at the moment.

“He puts in one hell of a shift in and he is a worker and a winner. He has come out on non-league football and working in a factory to this and he said he never goes back there.

“If he keeps playing like that, then he won’t have to worry. His work rate is something else and he is one of the best finishers at the club.”

On Saturday, the game against County will be £5 for season ticket holder’s guests and Ainsworth urged fans to come and support the team in their droves.

He commented: “Get yourselves down to Adams Park because we need you. We want to give you something to shout about right until that last kick.

“We need you for Saturday and the foreseeable future but we have a squad built for these moments and I am excited to see what we can achieve this year.”