Wycombe Wanderers will spend the opening weekend of the 2022/23 League One season in first place after they defeated Burton Albion 3-0 at Adams Park.
A David Wheeler strike and two incredible goals from Anis Mehmeti and Josh Scowen gave the Chairboys a healthy lead on the campaign’s inaugural Saturday.
Gareth Ainsworth’s men had fire in their bellies from as early as the 37th second, as Mehmeti was dragged down by Deji Oshilaja in the penalty box, but Gavin Ward waved away the appeals.
7 - GOOOOAAALLLLLLL!!!!! It's David Wheeler! #Chairboys #BAFC
— James Richings (@James_BFP) July 30, 2022
🔵 1-0 🟡
A frustrating start, Wycombe regrouped and took the lead through Wheeler on seven minutes.
The utility player was brilliantly put through by a reverse pass from Scowen, and the 32-year-old was on hand to toe-poke his shot underneath Ben Garratt.
Eight minutes later, Wanderers doubled their advantage as Mehmeti scored what could be one of League One goals of the month already.
15 - GGGOOOAAAALLLLLL! IT'S ANIS MEHMETI WITH A INCREDIBLE FINISH! WHAT A GOAL! #Chairboys #BAFC
— James Richings (@James_BFP) July 30, 2022
🔵 2-0 🟡
After winning the ball of the left-hand side, he weaved in and around four Burton players and smashed the ball beyond a stunned Garratt, in what was the Albanian’s first appearance for the club since April.
Burton just could not get going and despite a few half chances that tamely tested debutant keeper Tyla Dickinson, the half belonged to Wycombe.
On the half-hour mark, Wanderers scored their third through a brilliant strike by Scowen.
A cross from Garath McLeary was headed away by the Burton backline, seemingly from danger, but the 28-year-old smashed in a stunning first-time half-volley to make it three.
30 - WHAT A GOAL, @Jscowen6! He has just smashed one in first time on the half-volley from 25-yards! Garratt had no chance! What a start for Wanderers! #Chairboys #BAFC
— James Richings (@James_BFP) July 30, 2022
🔵 3-0 🟡
The goal was his first at Adams Park since returning to the club last season, and his first at the ground since October 2014, a total of 2,842 days ago.
The second half saw Hasselbaink’s men improve after what was a dismal opening 45 minutes, but there was nothing substantial that really caused the Chairboys any concern.
Fun fact: Josh Scowen's goal against Burton this afternoon comes 2,842 days after his last strike at Adams Park for Wycombe. That came in a 2-0 home over Wimbledon in October 2014. #Chairboys
— James Richings (@James_BFP) July 30, 2022
The final 15 minutes of the second half saw D’Mani Mellor make his Chairboys debut, with Nick Freeman also getting minutes after his 11-month absence with an ACL injury.
Up next for Ainsworth’s men is an away trip to Bolton Wanderers on August 6.
However, the development team will face Non League Worthing on August 2 in the South Coast, as part of the deal that saw Jasper Pattenden join the Chairboys.
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