Wycombe fans are used to their team doing things the hard way, so it was no surprise that their first win of the new league season saw a nail-biting finish as 10-man Leyton Orient almost snatched a draw at Adams Park in midweek.
Wanderers had led 3-1 and looked to be on their way to a comfortable victory to get their first points on the board, but a second Orient goal led to a nervy finish as the visitors pressed hard for an equaliser.
However, a combination of brilliant goalkeeping by Max Stryjek and great support from the home fans saw Wanderers over the line.
👏 Super @lukeleahy!
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) August 16, 2023
Justice for @JoeLow_0, though... https://t.co/tpENC8WhVA
READ MORE: Centre back Joe Low gets a brace as Wycombe Wanderers defeat 10-man Leyton Orient
The win was crucial to relieve the pressure after defeats in their first two league games prompted a hysterical outburst by a minority of fans on social media calling for manager Matt Bloomfield to be sacked.
Those fans have short memories as the Chairboys also made a poor start last season despite a 3-0 victory on the opening day against Burton Albion, who are Wycombe’s next opponents at Adams Park on Saturday, August 19.
Wanderers lost the next three matches, conceding eight goals in the process, and managed only three wins in their first 11 league games.
The doom-mongers were out in force again with predictions of a looming relegation battle.
READ MORE: Matt Bloomfield on Tafazolli's injury and Low's performance as Wycombe earn first win
As it turned out, Wycombe’s form improved and although it tailed off again towards the end of the campaign – including a 2-1 defeat at Burton in March - they were still in contention for a play-off place until the final two weeks of the season.
🗣️ Bloomfield on Joe Low: "He and Richard Keogh are staying out 30 to 45 minutes after training and Joe is picking his brains on how to improve.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) August 16, 2023
“Joe is desperate to get better." 👇#Chairboys https://t.co/FHT9ZCDRrC
Saturday’s game gives Wanderers the chance to silence their critics once again as they take on Burton, who have lost their last four league visits to Adams Park.
The Brewers have made an even worse start to the new campaign, losing all four games in league and cup, scoring their only goal deep into stoppage time in their midweek defeat at Shrewsbury, and conceding nine goals.
The clubs have met seventeen times in all competitions with Burton winning nine to Wycombe’s eight, not a single match being drawn.
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