Ten-man Wycombe Wanderers secured their first league victory in nearly four months following a thrilling 3-2 victory over Bristol Rovers.

Prior to kick-off, the Chairboys announced the signing of striker Richard Kone from Non League Athletic Newham.

The Ivorian had been on the club’s radar since the summer after featuring in several pre-season friendlies and training games.

He is expected to make his debut in the club’s EFL Trophy match against West Ham United 21s later this month.

On the match itself, Wanderers started the better as they dominated chances and possession.

Kieran Sadlier’s cross/shot forced goalkeeper Matthew Cox into a save before the young shot-stopper was on hand to deny the ex-Leyton Orient man in Sadlier once again.

Sam Vokes hit the post, Garath McCleary tried his luck, whilst Scowen and Dale Taylor also went close.

Rovers didn’t lay a glove on Wanderers in the opening exchanges, and the home side’s superiority finally came to fruition on 29 minutes thanks to Ryan Tafazolli’s first goal of the season.

The centre back got on the end of a Sadlier corner as Cox stood stranded.

It was Tafazolli’s first goal in any capacity since the 2-1 win away at Cambridge United in April.

Wycombe continued their dominance into the second half but things took a turn for the worst when Scowen was shown a straight red card just before the hour-mark.

The Chairboys captain was penalised for a late tackle on Rovers’ skipper Sam Finley, as Wanderers suffered their first sending home at Adams Park in 996 days.

The last player to get on the receiving end of a red card was Josh Knight in April 2021, when Wycombe lost 3-1 to Luton Town.

The sending off put the wind in Rovers’ sails as Chris Martin, Jevani Brown and Grant Ward went close, but in the final 15 minutes, Wanderers sealed their first victory in 13 league attempts.

First, Tafazolli’s knockdown was prodded home by Vokes for his first strike since October, before Luke Leahy got a close-range strike moments later.

It was the latter’s eighth of the campaign.

Despite a mass exodus from the away end, Rovers two pulled goals back in injury-time thanks to a Chris Martin double.

The result means Wycombe have secured their first league win since October and their first at Adams Park since September.

It also means it’s the first time Wanderers have scored three in a league match at home since August, when they defeated Leyton Orient which was the club’s inaugural victory of the league campaign.