Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield believes there were ‘many positives’ to take despite their 4-2 home loss against Bolton Wanderers.
The Chairboys were 2-0 down at the break thanks to strikes from Paris Maghoma and George Thomason, before a Luke Leahy goal and a David Wheeler tap-in put the home side level with eight minutes remaining.
However, Bolton scored twice in the final five minutes to secure their first victory at Adams Park, with Eoin Toal and an Aaron Morley penalty wrapping up the victory.
FT: Wycombe Wanderers 2-4 Bolton Wanderers.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) October 24, 2023
A second half showing by Wycombe but the first half was their Achilles heel.
Will be speaking to both managers soon.
Your thoughts on the game?#Chairboys #BWFC
The defeat means it’s the first time since August that the Chairboys had been defeated at home, whilst Bolton remain in fourth.
READ MORE: Wycombe lose at home for the first time since August as Bolton take the points
Speaking to the press, Bloomfield said: “We’re disappointed for the way the first-half went but when we got the first goal from Luke [Leahy], and what a goal it was, we were right back in it.
“We were in control, we were in the ascendancy, we were in their half and we were good value for a point.
“So we’re bitterly disappointed not to get anything from the game.”
“There are many positives to take despite the loss as we’ve found ourselves not wanting in any game against a side that should be up near the top.”
📹 @djwheeler07 made it 2-2 with this close-range finish from a clever corner routine. pic.twitter.com/G3hYwFZB3A
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) October 24, 2023
Despite the result meaning it's now two games without a win in the league for the Chairboys, the second half outing indicated that Wanderers’ mentality to fight amongst those higher in the table is evident to see.
READ MORE: 'You don’t come here and expect to have it your own way' - Ian Evatt on Wycombe
Leahy’s goal on 47 minutes was the perfect start to the half, whilst Wheeler’s equaliser was a fair reflection of Wycombe’s performance.
However, the two goals they conceded in the final five minutes is an area for Bloomfield to look at, as he has asked for his players to remain 'calm' when in those situations.
He continued: “When we spoke at half-time, I felt that the distance between the units wasn’t close enough and the front two weren’t pressing together, so we corrected that tactically and that enabled us to get closer to Bolton.
“We got them pressed and were able to play the way we wanted to play as we created shots, had attacks and tested their keeper but it wasn’t to be this evening.
👏🏻 Thank you for your support tonight. Let’s bounce back Saturday. pic.twitter.com/tGTUbWgB0D
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) October 24, 2023
“Bolton’s third goal came so soon after we equalised so it could be a mentality thing.
READ MORE: Live updates at Adams Park: Wycombe Wanderers 2-4 Bolton Wanderers
“The crowd were brilliant when we got it back to 2-2 as they were right behind us, so at that point, the boys were looking to find the winner.
"Unfortunately, we were sucker punched on two occasions.
"That’s why it’s important to have that balance and be calm.
“We of course want to go for the win, but we needed to defend better.
“I don’t want to change the lads’ mentality as I always want them to score but there is a time when you need to be clear and stay solid at the back.”
Up next for Wycombe is Oxford away on October 28.
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