Wycombe Wanderers manager Gareth Ainsworth has praised the attitude and commitment of the Fleetwood Town players, after the Chairboys defeated the North West 1-0 at Adams Park. 

Jason McCarthy scored a 90th-minute winner to secure all three points for the play-off hopefuls, and succumb the Cod Army to their 12 consecutive league match without a win.

The away side have been hit with numerous injuries this season and therefore relied on fringe and academy players in recent weeks.

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And during their visit to Adams Park, they could only name six substitutes.

Speaking after the final whistle, Ainsworth said: “There is some incredible talent in that Fleetwood team.

“I told Stephen [Crainey] after the game, and I don’t think they will have any problems in retaining their League One status this year.

“With the players they have got out, such as your Danny Andrew’s and your Ellis Harrison’s, with Zak Jules and Joe Garner just coming back, these are names that you rely on in this league.

“So for those young players to carry the flag and do what they have done is fantastic.

“I know they haven’t won for a while but I’m sure that’s just around the corner.

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"And the Fleetwood fans, it might be one of the smallest away crowds we’ve ever had, but they made themselves heard and I like the North West clubs, so hopefully, they will stay in this division.”

The win was their first in the league over Fleetwood since May 2019 (excluding the play-offs), and it was McCarthy’s first goal since scoring in the 3-0 away win at Middlesbrough in May last year.

His last goal at Adams Park came in the 2-1 win over Rochdale in January 2020.

Ainsworth continued: "They played very well and I think, maybe that cutting edge up front was all that they were missing as they had plenty of possession and movement and I think they’ve got some talented players who I think will be at a high level."