The 4-1 defeat to Ipswich was something of a reality check for Wanderers, but they can take their mind off League One matters with the FA Cup first round this weekend.

Wycombe had been on quite a run in October, and were seven games unbeaten in the league before the Tractor Boys came to Adams Park.

When Sam Vokes put the Chairboys 3-1 up at Fleetwood, it looked as though Wycombe would end Saturday top of the table.

However, Wycombe have conceded six goals since then, squandering the lead at Fleetwood and also succumbing to a very good Ipswich side from 1-0 up.

READ MORE: Gareth Ainsworth will not 'belittle' the FA Cup as Wycombe prepare to take on Hartlepool

Paul Cook’s men will almost certainly be up there come the end of the season, but a break from league action may be what Wanderers need after a turbulent few days.

It looks as though it could be a long break, with Gareth Ainsworth suggesting that the game with Portsmouth scheduled for Saturday, 13 November is likely to be postponed due to international call-ups.

That would mean an 18-day gap between the Ipswich game and Wanderers’ next league fixture, against Bolton.

Potentially, the break could give Wycombe extra motivation to progress in the FA Cup against Hartlepool United on Saturday.

It’s a competition the Chairboys have had plenty of special moments in during recent years, reaching the fourth round twice and the also the third round twice in the last seven seasons.

Three of those campaigns have seen Wanderers come up against a Premier League outfit, but it’s a very different task this weekend.

Hartlepool were promoted into League Two, and have won six of their seven home league games.

When the two sides last played

However, manager Dave Challinor left for National League club Stockport County this week.

Part of their early season success was down to Challinor’s ability to bring in the right players during the brief period he had to work with after being promoted in late June.

Without him, Hartlepool will likely fall from their current position of 10th in League Two, but should still have more than enough to remain in the division.

READ MORE: 'He is a brilliant keeper' - Gareth Ainsworth defends David Stockdale following Ipswich defeat

Ainsworth tends to field relatively strong sides in the FA Cup, although this tie could be different, with Wanderers having a much deeper squad than years gone by.

Players like Tjay De Barr, Connor Parsons, Olly Pendlebury and even Anis Mehmeti will be chomping at the bit to start at Victoria Park.

With League One being so competitive this year, Wycombe can’t afford to take any risks, so we could see a slightly weakened side in the north-east.