Despite it only being a pre-season friendly, Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth was in high spirits as his side defeated Leicester City 1-0 at Adams Park.

Daryl Horgan scored the winner with 10 minutes to go against the FA Cup holders, in a fixture that was memorable for many reasons.

It was the first time since December last year that fans were allowed back into the ground, it was the first time that supporters were able to witness the club’s new signings, as well as the up-to-date facilities around the ground, and along with the official revealing of new striker Sam Vokes, there was a firework display at full-time.

It was certainly a pre-season match to remember, with the boss revealing that he has missed the fans’ presence at the stadium.

READ MORE: Daryl Horgan gets the winner as Wycombe beat FA Cup holders Leicester City at Adams Park

He said: “The atmosphere was fantastic.

“Welcoming all the fans back to see the players, the new scoreboard, the advertising the hoardings, the training ground, the pitch along with the players we have able to recruit…I’m really excited about the future ahead.

“It has been a year of frustration but tonight [July 28] was brilliant.

“The Leicester fans were vocal, the Wycombe fans were vocal and the moments at the end on the pitch, along with Sam Vokes getting announced, means these are special times at Wycombe Wanderers.

“Who would have thought that when I took over we’d get to these levels and I can say is thank you to everyone.

“I’ve got some great owners, some great backers and now it is up to me to try and get the results to make this team this special Championship side that we want to be.

READ MORE: 'It speaks volumes to attract a player like that' - Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth on Sam Vokes

“I’m confident that we have got enough to compete this season.”

Since 2014, the club has been on a rollercoaster of emotions which shows no sign of slowing down.

Following their great escape seven years ago, the club lost the League Two Play-Off final a year later before achieving promotion in 2018.

Their first season back in League One saw the club endue a terrible winless run before finding form at the right time to avoid relegation, before a brilliant start to the following campaign saw them at the summit of England’s third tier.

It seemed too good to be true before a loss of form and the season being suspended due to the coronavirus outbreak put the club in limbo.

READ MORE: 'I wanted to sign immediately' - Sam Vokes on his phone call with Gareth Ainsworth prior to signing

But thanks to the lucky number of 1.74, the club were propelled into the Play-Offs via a points-per-game system, and ended up defeating the odds to be promoted to the Championship for the first time in their history.

Relegation followed despite some positive performances, and the boss hopes their return to the second tier will be sooner rather than later.

He continued: “Pre-season isn’t about results - the season is about results, so it gives me great confidence and great spirit in what we’re doing.

“I think we have match-winners in the team, but to see those fans and talk to them near the end, and in all my career, that was one of the most special moments.

“I think it is still going to take a few more results and shocks for people [neutrals] to give us the full respect this place deserves, but if they want to treat us like underdogs then that is fine by me.”