Gareth Ainsworth hopes the injury Josh Scowen picked up in Wycombe’s 1-0 home loss against Hartlepool in the FA Cup first round isn’t too serious.
The midfielder was substituted for David Wheeler after 72 minutes, when the ex-Sunderland man sat on the ground holding his leg.
The 28-year-old has played 20 matches so far for Wycombe this season, following his move back to Buckinghamshire in the summer.
FT: Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Hartlepool United.
— James Richings | Bucks Free Press (@James_BFP) November 16, 2021
Boos ring around Adams Park as Mark Cullen's goal sends Pools into the first round. Wycombe are out.#Chairboys #FACup
The gaffer said: “Josh has pulled up feeling tight and it’s nothing more than that.
“I’m hoping he’ll be back for Saturday because he has been one of our performers of the season so far, and if he isn’t fit, then we have got several players chomping at the bit to take that place and have a go.
“That’s what we are and I love it.”
Wheeler on for Scowen means an increased number of long balls. At least Wheeler might win a header. #Chairboys
— The Wycombe Way (@theWycombeWay) November 16, 2021
On the tactics, the boss was pleased despite the loss.
Overall, Wanderers created 14 chances against the North East side but hit the post on three occasions.
The introduction of Anis Mehmeti also provided that spark in Wycombe’s final third, but, no goal was scored on the night.
This now means Wycombe have not scored in their last three home matches.
72 - HOW. HAVE. WYCOMBE. NOT. SCORED! Vokes has hit the post again! #Chairboys #Pools #FACUP
— James Richings | Bucks Free Press (@James_BFP) November 16, 2021
🔵0-1🔴
He continued: “Daryl, Brandon and Anis, when he came on, were running wide with the full-backs going up, and we picked up the ball in some great areas.
"I thought we did that really well in the second-half.
READ MORE: Match report: Wycombe Wanderers 0-1 Hartlepool United
“I thought Curtis Thompson switched the ball really well alongside Josh, but the final shot or header just didn’t go in today, but it will do soon and when it does I’ll be a happy man and I’m sure the fans will be pleased too.”
Up next for Wycombe is Bolton on Saturday.
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