Back to earth with a bump. After the euphoria of their convincing opening day victory over Burton Albion, Wanderers crashed to their heaviest defeat for nine months in a disappointing 3-0 defeat at Bolton Wanderers.
Gareth Ainsworth accepted responsibility for the setback, admitting that his tactics and team selection failed on a day when Wanderers were second best all over the pitch.
It was hard to believe it was pretty much the same team who had performed so well against Burton just seven days earlier, the only changes seeing Jordan Obita preferred to Joe Jacobson in defence and Lewis Wing for Daryl Horgan in midfield.
It's fair to say that Shrewsbury's only win at Adams Park (which wasn't even in the league) wasn't the best of days for Wycombe. #Chairboys #STFC pic.twitter.com/TEn68ooc7G
— James Richings (@James_BFP) August 12, 2022
The trip to Bolton was always going to be a much tougher task than a home game against Burton, but it was the manner of Wycombe’s defeat that led fans to take to social media with criticism of the club’s inactivity in the summer transfer market.
The immediate concern is finding a solution to their problems in time for a difficult set of fixtures in the opening month of the new season.
Wanderers face away games at newly promoted Exeter City, who had a thumping 4-0 win in their first home game against Port Vale, and Barnsley, who were playing in the Championship last season.
August is rounded off with the visit to Adams Park of Charlton Athletic, 1-0 winners against Derby County last weekend.
It's going to be hot.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) August 12, 2022
We've taken steps to ensure the comfort of fans around Adams Park tomorrow; please take on board plenty of water during your visit!#WYCvSHR
It makes the home game against Shrewsbury Town on Saturday (August 13) so important even at this early stage of the campaign. Lose this, and those fixtures become even tougher.
In stark contrast to Wycombe, Shrewsbury were busier than any League One club in the summer transfer window with seven new signings and the departure of nine senior players including former Chairboys defender Aaron Pierre.
They have recruited experienced men who have all played at a higher level, the likes of Taylor Moore (Bristol City), Tom Bayliss (Preston North End), Jordan Shipley and Julian da Costa (both Coventry City).
However, the Shrews have had two disappointing results so far, drawing away to Morecambe and losing at home to Accrington and they have yet to score a goal.
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