Wycombe Wanderers will play Championship football for the first time in their 133-year history after they defeated Oxford United 2-1 in the League One play-off final at Wembley.
Goals from Anthony Stewart and a penalty from Joe Jacobson gave the Chairboys the victory in an edgy and close game at the home of English football.
READ MORE: Oxford United 1-2 Wycombe Wanderers as it happened
Oxford started off with more of the ball but this seemed to suit Wycombe’s game, as the Chairboys sat back and let their opponents tire out.
And this resulted in Wycombe taking the lead after just nine minutes when Jacobson's in-swinging corner was headed in by Stewart via a deflection.
Replays showed that the attempt may not be going in, but the goal was credited to Wycombe’s number five.
It was his fourth strike of the season.
This was very much the best moment of the first-half as Oxford couldn't break down Wanderers stern defence, as long-range efforts from Marcus Browne and Sam Long being Karl Robinson’s men best chances of the opening period.
READ MORE: This is what people are saying ahead of Wycombe's big match today
The second-half started like the first with Oxford on the front foot, but this time, they came firing out of the traps.
James Henry, who scored the winner against the Chairboys back in December, fired two low crosses in quick succession but Stewart and Darius Charles were on hand to heroically clear anything away.
Wycombe, despite being 1-0 up, were being pegged up and United's pressure broke through on 57 minutes as Mark Sykes, who hadn’t scored since December, scored from a cross-shot that wrong-footed Ryan Allsop in the Wanderers goal
The Oxford onslaught continued as captain Rob Dickie had two headers in a matter of seconds saved brilliantly by Allsop, as he kept Wycombe into the game.
But this came to nothing as Wycombe were given a golden opportunity to go ahead which they took.
READ MORE: As it happened - Wycombe Wanderers 2-2 Fleetwood Town
With 11 minutes to go, Eastwood and Onyedinma clattered into one other in the penalty box and referee Robert Jones had no option but to point to the spot.
After both players were both given treatment, the Welshman calmly slot it down the middle and it gave Wycombe a dream lead.
It was his 12th goal of the season.
Oxford continued to attack and despite having five minutes of injury-time, it was Wycombe’s night.
Championship football now beckons for the Adams Park club.
Gareth Ainsworth, you have a magic hat.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel