Blues manager Gareth Ainsworth believes Matt Ingram is among the best goalkeepers in both League One and Two.

The 21-year-old was in fine form against Mansfield on Saturday as he produced a string of saves to ensure Wycombe maintained a clean sheet and won 2-0 at Field Mill.

The victory ended a run of five winless matches for Wycombe and Ainsworth praised his goalkeeper and defenders who remained resolute in the face of a Mansfield fight back.

A pleased Ainsworth said: “Matt Ingram at 21 has played 125 league games which is phenomenal for his age.

“I still say he will have to odd hiccup but he is one of the best keepers in the bottom two divisions believe me.

“The clean sheets are mounting up for us this season and he plays a big part in that, but we work hard and it is no fluke that we have defended well.”

Having been a doubt to start the game with a thigh problem he showcased what has made him such an important part of the Chairboys side.

He made a number of fine saves not least in the opening stages of the second half when he clawed away a goal bound header as it flew towards the top corner.

Ingram, though, was quick to point out the impact the defenders in front of him had as Wanderers kept Mansfield at arm’s length for the majority of the match.

“I did what I had to do and the lads in front of me did really well and limited what I had to save. A lot of the shots were from 25-30 yards which I would expect to save unless it was a worldy,” he explained.

“I think we have been a bit sloppy of late, especially on set pieces, but we reorganised on the training pitch and I think that showed here today.”

Ingram has kept eight clean sheets this season, with his six in League Two meaning he is currently third in the overall rankings, and Saturday’s result saw him end a run of conceding twice in each of his last four outings.

His display matched that of last year’s away trip to Mansfield where he again played a pivotal role in keeping the home side at bay.

He is undoubtedly Ainsworth’s first choice keeper and with players in his position generally experiencing their best years in later life he has benefitted from the manager’s trust in youth.

Ingram has now stressed the importance of continuing this defensive form starting with the FA Cup game against Halifax Town on Sunday.