Gareth Ainsworth heaped praise on matchwinner Sam Saunders and goalkeeper Jamal Blackman after their performances helped Wycombe to an excellent 2-0 win over Barnet.

Saunders scored a contender for goal of the season on 20 minutes when he picked the ball up 40 yards and rifled a shot over goalkeeper Jamie Stephens and into the net.

Blackman pulled off three incredible saves in north London, including an astonishing fingertip onto the post to deny Ruben Bover's rocket, as he kept up his recent excellent form.

Joe Jacobson added the second goal in injury time after Garry Thompson was bundled over in the box to keep Wycombe in touch of the playoffs.

Ainsworth said: "The boys deserved that but Jamal Blackman was outstanding.

"He kept us in it at 1-0 and the save in the second half (from Bover) was one of the best saves I have seen all season.

"Jamal made a double save in the first half that possibly no other keeper in the league could do and no keeper in the league would have been able to do his second save.

"That is what he is paid to do. Like I keep saying he will play at the very top.

"Sam produced an absolute moment of genius to get the first goal and I am sure that will be shown quite a few times on the TV.

"It was great for him to open his account and I thought he had an excellent game and when the game opens up, he produces moment of brilliance.

"I thought we got it right today and the result says that as well. It is fantastic to be just two points off the playoffs at this stage.

"What a position to be in and I am really looking forward to Saturday's game against Doncaster."

Barnet striker John Akinde has been a real goal threat all season and Ainsworth was pleased with how is defence handled him.

The gaffer commented: "I thought Sido and Aaron handled him really well.

"Also we put Marcus Bean in front of him the first half just to give Akinde that little bit of front screen.

"We have had that come up against us a few times with Bayo and I thought it went well."

Ainsworth added: "The playoff dream is still alive and if we win the final three games, I am sure we will be in the playoffs. That is the intention."