Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has admitted that he was ‘disappointed’ with his side’s performance in their 3-0 away loss at Stevenage in the EFL Trophy.

A double from Danny Rose and a Terence Vancooten strike, which was the latter’s first professional club goal in what was his 150th club career appearance.

The Chairboys were second best throughout the contest and must now need to beat Peterborough United in the final group game in October to stand any chance of progressing into the next round.

READ MORE: Danny Rose bags a brace as Wycombe Wanderers lose 3-0 away at Stevenage in the EFL Trophy

Speaking after the defeat in Hertfordshire, Ainsworth said: “I am disappointed because there wasn’t much football played and it was more of a physical battle.

“Stevenage deserved the win as they were the better side.

“They were better on the second balls and we played more of the football in the second half but still, we didn’t really carve them up, they defended really well and they won all their headers and tackles and were really physical.

“They also stepped on us really well and the lads need to learn that to have a career in this game you need to step on, be physical and win your headers.

“We lost too many headers and that was poor from us and we need to make sure that we improve n the games coming up.”

READ MORE: Live at the Lamex: Stevenage 3-0 Wycombe Wanderers in the Papa John's Trophy

The result means the Chairboys have not scored in their last three games in the competition in which they have scored conceded eight goals.

A do-or-die encounter with the Posh in the middle of next month will decide whether Wycombe will progress into the knockout stages, with that fixture being the first of two consecutive home games against Peterborough in three days.

The boss continued: “This is a learning curve for the boys, but I really do think that Stevenage will be right up there in League Two.

“Steve [Evans] has played a strong team and I think that showed in the result.

“If I can get a strong team for that then I will as I want to progress in this tournament.

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“I think there’s a chance and we need to keep having these competitive games as we have a big enough squad.

“But the injuries, it’s more than I have ever dealt with and it has taken its toll on the squad.

“But please be patient as we have got a very good, strong, and competitive squad for League One [when fully fit].”

Up next for Wycombe is an away trip to Sheffield Wednesday on September 24.