WYCOMBE'S tough summer training programme paid off on Saturday when the team coped admirably with soaring temperatures to win their opening game of the season.

New signing Charlie Mapes scored the winner, while rookie keeper Steve Williams made some fine saves to keep a clean sheet for the Blues.

Williams had a wobbly start with some worrying goal mouth action in the early minutes but it was Wycombe who had the first real chance when Jermaine McSporran shot just over the top on six minutes.

On 15 minutes, Aaron Wilbraham came thundering towards Williams for a one-on-one situation but Williams bravely dived for the ball and snatched it from the strikerÕs feet.

A minute later, McSporran crossed from the left for Charlie Mapes to whack the ball in past Nick Colgan, the Stockport keeper.

Richard Harris' long throws created numerous chances in the box for Wycombe and minutes before half-time, Danny Senda went close when he shot from the right, but the ball flew wide.

Williams had and excellent first half, making many saves and blocks, topped by a fingertip push around the post in the dying moments of the half, following a shot from Luke Beckett.

A few minutes into the second half, Harris forced the Stockport keeper to make a great save and later, Chris Vinnicombe was inches wide with a long-range shot.

Despite a drinks break during the second half, the soaring heat at Adams Park caused tempers to rise among players as the second half progressed.

However, Mapes intended to finish his game as he began - with a goal - but Colgan pulled off a sensational save, knocking his shot over the bar.

Attendance: 4826 (581 Stockport)