‘We look forward now as there are six to go and we can do this.’
These were Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth's words after his side smashed relegation rivals, Rotherham United, 3-0 at the New York Stadium.
An early goal from Admiral Muskwe, a Jason McCarthy deflected strike and a David Wheeler finish gave the Chairboys their eighth league win of the season – their second in two matches.
It was a brilliant display from Wanderers who remain eight points off safety, but with three clean sheets in their last three games, Ainsworth’s men are feeling confident as the season draws to its conclusion.
Speaking after the win, he said: “We have had a few good performances but that is up there.
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“A clean sheet away from home and what a tough place to come as we knew what we would be up against.
“I thought the lads were outstanding and they were clinical when they got their chances, and there were bodies on the line at the back as well.
I am really proud as always as it was a real squad effort today as the subs made a difference as well.
“The spirit in the hotel last night wasn’t one of ‘we’ve got nothing to lose’ it was ‘we’re going for this'.
“I just wished we could have had a full squad that was fit at the start of the season as that would have been such a different story.
“We look forward now as there are six to go and we can do this, especially after today.”
The win means Wycombe have only lost one of their last five matches, picking up 10 points from a possible 15.
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This has seen them put themselves back in the survival scrap after they had lost four consecutive games with an aggregate score of 7-0, albeit, one of those fixtures were against runaway leaders Norwich City, whilst the remaining three were all away from home.
However, Wanderers have seemed to have found form at just the right time, as they prepare for their next match, which is at home to Luton Town on April 10.
David Stockdale has been in the Wycombe team since mid-February
Six clean sheets in 11.#ROTvWYC pic.twitter.com/KXSFsOpNXP
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) April 5, 2021
On the goals, he said: “In both boxes is where this league is determined.
Admiral Muskwe’s [goal] was a great finish and it wasn’t an easy finish at all.
“Great work by Uche Ikpeazu and for the second goal as McCarthy [effort] gets a deflection and for the third goal, David Wheeler comes on and does what he does.
“Chances wise, Rotherham probably matched us, but in terms of being clinical, we were definitely the better team.
“Being solid at the back – David Stockdale and everyone in front were absolutely superb today.
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“I am really pleased, I am proud of the boys, and don’t write us off just yet.”
And on Wycombe’s survival chances, he said: “I wake up every day feeling lucky, as I never feel entitled to anything.
It was the club's biggest win of the season
Our biggest win at our highest level.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) April 5, 2021
Good job, team.#ROTvWYC pic.twitter.com/XcMGOSgyLr
“You earn everything you get and every day I wake up feeling ‘you’re a lucky man to have what you’ve got - get in there, inspire these guys as there is a chance we can survive.’
“To have six games to survive in the Championship, wow, what an exciting encounter this is going to be for the rest of the season.
“And I preach that to the boys as you need to stay humble and stay human as you never get anything, you earn everything.”
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