Wycombe Wanderers 1 Exeter City 0

THESE are good times for the Chairboys.

After a stuttery start to the season with a squad riddled by injuries, Gareth Ainsworth's team are acquiring that most important of attributes in football - momentum.

Following a thumping 5-1 midweek win at Crewe, it took patience for the League Two side who looked destined for a point against a struggling Exeter side who were clearly looking for a point to take back to Devon.

As the sunshine of summer merged into the driving rain of winter all in the space of 90 minutes at Adams Park, chances were at a premium with neither goalkeeper really having to make a save of note.

But then it took the introduction of the man known as The Beast, a 34-year-old journeyman who is celebrated as much with football fans as with gamers, who turned this match.

Adebayo Akinfenwa was introduced on the hour and Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth sought to break down a solid Exeter defence. The man signed from AFC Wimbledon in the summer was in the thick of the action straight away, twisting in the penalty area to flick a header high and wide.

Just as the muscular presence of the Grecians' Reuben Reid was causing Wycombe's defence a few twitchy moments with his barn-storming runs straight through the middle, so the imposing figure of The Beast - who helped to launch FIFA 2017 on Monday where he has been titled the world's strongest player - helped to change the momentum of this game.

Five minutes from time and Anthony Stewart lofted a high ball into the Exeter penalty area. Akinfenwa's first touch was exquisite - the neatest of chest traps which a gaggle of luminous yellow-shirted Exeter defenders around him - a sharp swivel which would have a "10" on Strictly, followed by the coolest of finishes into the bottom right-hand corner, sealed the points.

"Exeter came with a game-plan," reflected Akinfenwa aftrwards. "They tried to deny us space, they more or less got ten men behind the ball and came for a draw.

"So tactically, the Gaffer saw that, made the change and we got the three points.

"It is always nice to come off the bench and make an impact. The most important thing was to keep the momentum that we've got. The boys were magnificent on Tuesday with the 5-1. I was itching to get on, the gaffer wouldn't put me on, but it was nice to come on and make an impact.

"I think everyone was expecting a goal feast after the 5-1 in midweek, but Exeter came  up with a game plan."

Boss Gareth Ainsworth admitted he was becoming resigned for the draw, despite shaking up the tactics at half-time, and then throwing on his big striker.

But, in his pre-match chat, Ainsworth had warned that this was a time to be patience, and that patience was rewarded.

"Exeter's set up with a 4-5-1 frustrated us," reflected the Wycombe boss.

"They sacrificed much of their attacking prowess to be solid. It seemed like they just wanted a point here today, slowing the game down when they could. Paul Tisdale is a good manager, he knows what he is doing.

"He has got an injury crisis at the moment and he can't put his solid first back four out so you do that by clogging your midfield and it almost worked. Exeter were five minutes away from getting a point."

The introduction of Akinfenwa was meant to shake things up and change the style of play. And it worked.

"Adebayo is a player who can make a big impact and that is exactly what he has done today," added Ainsworth.

"But it is not all about Adebayo. Tthe 11 who started the game really ground Exeter down and frustrated them. Goalkeeper Jamal Blackman had one of the easiest days of his career, and that is nice to see.

"We just couldn't get behind them since they were playing very deep. It is tough sometimes.

"I asked for patience and today was a patient game. We had to wait until the 85th minute to get something.

"But, I am really pleased since I thought we deserved it. I'm glad we got the three points because it has been a good week."