Wycombe assistant manager Richard Dobson believes the Chairboys were ‘ a little rusty’ following their 1-0 away defeat at Ipswich Town.

A James Norwood goal a minute before the break gave the Tractor Boys all three points at Portman Road, following the Chairboys’ first match in nearly three weeks.

The win for the Suffolk side was their first on six in all competitions, whilst it also gave their new manager, Kieran McKenna, a winning start in his first managerial job.

The loss for Wanderers mean they drop down to sixth in the League One table, four points off the automatic spots, and five points off top.

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The defeat in East Angelia was Wycombe’s first since the FA Cup defeat to Hartlepool United on November 16.

Speaking after the loss, Dobson said: “We looked a little rusty as it seems such a long time since our last game, but we did do better in the second half as there was lots of territorial possession.

“This forced them back with a bit of momentum and we got into hood areas, but, our final ball was missing tonight [December 29] and that was the rustiness.

“We need to be more clinical but it wasn’t to be.”

The assistant manager took charge of the fixture alongside player/coach Matt Bloomfield, after Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth tested positive for Covid over the Christmas period.

The news of the boss’ absence for the Ipswich game was only revealed around 90 minutes before kick off.

Dobson continued: “We’re all in tune, we know what to do and we’ve been here before from last season, so it wasn’t a big drama.

“It was just us getting on as normal.

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“I think the toughest thing was for Gaz being at home because he is hands on and wants to be in the middle of everything.

“So, for him, looking on the outside looking in, it has been a difficult couple of days, but, for us, it has been business as usual.

“I’m not phased by this challenge and I enjoy it.”

One positive from the defeat was the return of Josh Scowen.

The midfielder has missed Wycombe’s last six games after getting injured in the cup defeat to Hartlepool six weeks ago.

Dobson added: “He is a really important player for us and when he came on for the last half-an-hour, he picks things up, he links the team well and it’s really important he gets back into the side and makes a huge contribution for the second half of the season because we cannot afford to be without players like Josh.”

Finally, the match also saw David Wheeler make his 100th appearance for the club.

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The former Exeter City man is in his third season with the club following his release from QPR in the summer of 2019.

Wheeler said: “I feel very fortunate to have found myself at @wwfcofficial. Was made to feel at home from day one, gained promotion, a season in the Championship, and enjoyed the positive environment throughout.

"Proud to have made 100 apps!!!