Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth heaped praise in talismanic forward Adebayo Akinfenwa as 'The Beast's' brace helped the Blues to a 2-0 win over Southend on Saturday.

Akinfenwa scored two superb goals in the space of four second half minutes to ease Wycombe's relegation fears as they moved three points clear of the drop zone with four games to go.

Ainsworth was delighted with his side's first win in 13 games and he paid a glowing tribute to Akinfenwa.

He said: "The big man has turned up for the big game and he is one hell of a guy.

"The way he is around the place, the way he is with the boys we just couldn't do without him.

"We wouldn't be where we are now without him but he will be the first to say he couldn't do it without those around him.

"Alex Samuel does his running and Scott Kashket was electric and the front four were great.

"The seven behind them were solid and were really good here.

"There are also 800 people who deserve credit because they were fantastic with their support."

Ainsworth revealed his side a different preparation for a short away trip and he believes that togetherness helped his side to get out of their rut.

He added: "After Tuesday, I looked at the boys and thought how can I get the some energy for this game.

"We need to uncover every single base and make sure they can give that same energy and same application.

"Kelly Francis and Dave Wates found a cheap hotel so we could stay overnight.

"And credit Trevor Stroud as well. We know the financial situation but he weighed up that League One survival is important but he said if this can help get us survival then I am all for it."

Wycombe also managed their first clean sheet since the end of January and Ainsworth praised his defence for the way they performed.

He said: "Adam El-Abd was a proper captain. He chucked himself at everything and he led by example.

"He is an absolute warrior. Ryan Allsop was very secure behind him and it was great to see."