Gareth Ainsworth reflects as Wycombe lose at home to Forest

Wanderers fell to their 16th league defeat of the season in their 26th Championship match, after they lost to Nottingham Forest 3-0 at Adams Park.

Two goals from Glenn Murray, which were his first goals for the club, and a thunderous effort from Anthony Knockaert, sunk the Chairboys to another loss in their debut season in England’s second-tier.

However, whilst Ainsworth remains upbeat, he has stated the importance of what the next month will bring for Wanderers.

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He said: “They [Forest] have got some great players and we have more than matched them.

“We got crosses in, we had chances, but we didn’t work their keeper enough.

Garath McCleary (left) and Jordan Obita (right) try and close down Anthony Knockaert at Adams Park (Aaron Chown/PA)

“We huffed and puffed but it is that final bit of quality [we need], and eradicate the mistakes at the back.

“The positives are that we are in the Championship - we are competing with these teams.

“We need a run of games now, a run of wins to get anywhere near this pack and by the end of February, I am pretty sure we are going to know if there is a chance of staying up.

“I still believe, and I know the boys still believe, but it is now putting that belief into performances.”

In a match in which Wycombe looked second best, the home side did have chances but nothing of great note that tested Forest keeper Brice Samba.

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Wanderers were reduced to half-chances, and even though the game was effectively over when Murray got his second of the match with a penalty just after half-time, Wycombe continued to press and tried their hardest to find a consolation.

However, the loss means the Chairboys remain bottom on 16 points, 12 points behind Derby County who occupy 21st place.

Ainsworth continued: “It’s my job to get in there and make everyone positive on Monday morning.

“I am not going to dress this up: We have the lowest budget by an absolute mile in this league, we are planning long-term.

Anthony Knockaert scored a stunning third goal for Forest (Aaron Chown/PA)

“We are planning for two to three years’ time and not just this season – that’s a real positive and that’s brilliant from Rob and Pete.

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“But we have got to give it a go.

“We have got a fantastic opportunity here to play and get points in the Championship and again, I believe we can do it.

“We might need a little bit of luck, we definitely need some performances and we have got to stop making silly mistakes.”

Up next for Wanderers is Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night at Hillsborough.