Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth has praised David Stockdale after his second-choice goalkeeper produced two stunning saves in Wanderers’ 1-0 win over Reading.

The 35-year-old did brilliantly to deny Andy Rinomhota and Ovie Ejaria in the first-half, with the goalkeeper making himself big to stop the former, whilst he tipped over the latter’s effort in the opening period.

He was also credited in psyching out Lucas Joao when the Reading striker crashed his penalty against the bar, after Wycombe had gone 1-0 up through Fred Onyedinma’s scrappy second-half winner.

READ MORE: Live at Adams Park: Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 Reading - Both sides miss a penalty and Tafazolli is sent off

Ryan Tafazolli was sent-off which lead to Reading’s penalty and moments later, Wanderers had a penalty of their own, which was missed by Uche Ikpeazu.

Speaking after the 1-0 win, Ainsworth said: “David Stockdale was phenomenal with all his experience and it shows why he was once fancied for England, never mind the Premier League.

“He has been brilliant since he walked through the door last season.

David Stockdale made two very good saves in Wycombes 1-0 win over Reading (PA)

David Stockdale made two very good saves in Wycombe's 1-0 win over Reading (PA)

“He’s a big reason why we got promoted.

“People don’t see what happened on the touchline and what the players who didn’t play in the play-offs did, and David was one of them.

“His experience and calmness are so good to have in the squad and he has been very patient.

READ MORE: Opposition view - Reading reporter on what Wycombe can expect this evening at Adams Park

“Ryan Allsop has had a fantastic season and David has been right behind him, but now it is his turn.

“The timing of him going to Stevenage was brilliant as it worked perfectly and, in some cases, you get a bit of luck.

“The mental side of penalties is tough as I used to take them myself and they are not as easy as they look.

“And I can probably say that he played a big part in the penalty today as I think he and my goalkeeper coach, Lee Harrison, did some work on Lucas Joao’s penalties, so, it is a fantastic time for him to come [back into the starting line-up].”

The win was much needed for the Chairboys as it means they are now eight points away from safety with 15 matches to go.

Fred Onyedinma got the winner for Wycombe (PA)

Fred Onyedinma got the winner for Wycombe (PA)

The victory over the Royals was only their fifth in the league this season, as well as it being their first in the Championship this calendar year at Adams Park.

It was also Wanderers’ first success over Reading since 1999, and it means following on from their 0-0 draw against Millwall on Saturday, that Wycombe have kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time since November.

READ MORE: 'I knew I had a big job coming back' - David Stockdale on his first game for Wycombe in over a year

On the performance against Reading, Ainsworth continued: “I’ve had about 500 games so there is definitely going to be a 1-0 in there that will be exciting as that, but not in the Championship and against a team with the quality of Reading.

“Seeing the boy’s efforts is what I am proud of.

Honestly, results can come and go but when you’re a manager and you see your boys put in that effort, put everything on the line, and come off in tears because they think they’ve let the team down as Uche Ikpeazu, who was magnificent again, absolutely superb, comes off almost in tears saying, ‘sorry gaffer, I missed the penalty’, that’s fine because if you keep giving me what you’re giving me, the rest of the boys will follow your lead.

“I just can’t wait for Sunday.”

Wycombe take on league leaders Norwich City on February 28 at 12pm.