Wycombe Wanderers manager Matt Bloomfield believes it would have been a ‘travesty’ if the Chairboys failed to gain a point following their 1-1 draw at Derby County.
The Adams Park side went into the contest with no wins in eight league matches, but put the Rams, who are in the play-off places on the back foot.
Despite this, County took the lead in the final 15 minutes thanks to a Tom Barkhuizen tap-in, before Luke Leahy equalised with an injury-time penalty.
READ MORE: Drama at the death - Wycombe score 96th minute penalty to rescue a point at Derby
90 + 6 - PENALTY TO WYCOMBE!!!!!!
— James Richings (@James_BFP) December 16, 2023
This came after Joe Ward fouled David Wheeler in the box, with the successful spot-kick being the final kick of the contest.
The result means Wanderers have now not won in nine and drop to 18th, but it’s the first time this season that they have gained a point with an injury-time strike this season.
He said: “We were up against a side with a huge stadium and following, so to come away with more XG and shots makes me so proud of the boys.
“The discipline they showed was brilliant as they were putting in the hard yards during the week in training.
“We lost Dale [Taylor] to illness so we thought today was the right to try something fresh with a new shape.
FT: Derby County 1-1 Wycombe Wanderers.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) December 16, 2023
I don't believe it!!!!!!
The final kick of the game, and Luke Leahy has snatched an equaliser!!
Pride Park has been STUNNED into silence!!!!
Get in!!!!#Chairboys #DCFC
READ MORE: Alan Parry's Previews - Defeat at Derby would only deepen the Wycombe crisis
“We worked very diligently and had meeting after meeting this week as we had a whole week to prepare for this.
“I’m so proud of them.
“We showed so much quality as the players are fighting for each other, this club and for the fans that travel every week.
“The players have had a very tough week in terms of what I wanted them to do along with the information I wanted them to take on.
😍 Late drama at Pride Park! pic.twitter.com/ADQEGfSCiu
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) December 16, 2023
“We showed so much quality and could have easily taken the lead.
“There has been a lot of talk about the run we’re on, but to get a point at Derby, after going a goal down so late on, shows what this team can do.
READ MORE: 'We've got threats of our own' - Matt Bloomfield on Wycombe's trip to Derby County
“This is a big point for us, as there have been times during the season we have gone on the road and have played well.
“Most notably at Peterborough, Oxford, Charlton and Portsmouth.
“It would have been a travesty if we didn’t get anything from today.”
Up next for Wanderers is Port Vale at home on December 23.
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