Wycombe Wanderers made it nine league games without defeat as they easily defeat promotion-pushing rivals, Plymouth Argyle, 2-0 at Adams Park
Prior to the kick-off, Wanderers legend Matt Bloomfield was given a standing ovation from all four corners of Adams Park following his retirement back in February.
The match against the Pilgrims was dedicated to the popular 38-year-old, with many of his shirts being hung up in the club’s reception area.
A beautiful day for a bit of football ☀️ #Chairboys pic.twitter.com/kvub3k8Jdu
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 15, 2022
READ MORE: Live updates at Adams Park: Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 Plymouth Argyle: McCleary at the double
It was also a unique sight to see Wycombe play a home match in a different kit, as they wore a special one-off home shirt donning the colours of blue and yellow.
The shirts will be auctioned off to support those impacted by the ongoing war in Ukraine following the country’s invasion by Russia two months ago.
On the football, the Chairboys were by far the better side and nearly went a goal up inside 13 seconds, but Sam Vokes’ looping header just went past Michael Cooper’s goal.
And even though the game’s first genuine attempts fell to visitors, as Jordan Garrick’s shot from range was easily gathered by Stockdale on 11 minutes, the half belonged to Wycombe.
The teams are in. Wycombe make two changes from the draw at Gillingham last week.
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 15, 2022
Gape comes in for the suspended Wing, Hanlan replaces the injured Mehmeti and Olly Pendlebury is on the bench.
Still no Stewart in the squad due to an injury. #Chairboys #PAFC https://t.co/UsfGMMfQBa
Four minutes after Plymouth’s attempt, Brandon Hanlan forced Cooper into a brilliant save following a close-range shot, before Daryl Horgan fired wide from the rebound.
READ MORE: 'He is 100 per cent Wycombe Wanderers' - Gareth Ainsworth on Matt Bloomfield
Seconds later, Garath McCleary riffled home his 10th league goal of the campaign.
15 - GOOOOAAALLL!!!!!! IT'S GARATH McCLEARY AGAIN! #Chairboys #PAFC
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 15, 2022
🔵 1-0 🟢
The ex-Reading man made some space for himself before he unleashed a rocket that flew past Cooper.
It was hit with so much power that some questioned whether it had gone in as it looked like it has gone into the side netting.
But a goal it was and Wycombe were 1-0 up.
Argyle didn’t stop trying in this promotion-pushing fixture as Garrick again tried his luck, but he placed a six-yard attempt wide when the target was wide open midway through the first-half.
30 - GOOOOAAAALLL!!!!! @gmccleary12 HAS DONE IT AGAIN!!! #Chairboys #PAFC
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 15, 2022
🔵 2-0 🟢
And this gave the Chairboys a chance to capitalize on Plymouth’s missed chances, as McCleary got his second on the half-hour mark.
Hanlan again was causing problems and after he found McCleary with a brilliant pass, the 34-year-old was one-on-one with Cooper and there was only going to be one winner.
It was his 11th of the season, his 10th at home.
READ MORE: 'On our day, we can beat anybody' - Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth on Plymouth test
It was nearly three moments later when Vokes’ shot was tipped away by Cooper and Hanlan nearly scored one of the goals of the season but his bending shot from 20-yards flew just wide.
FT: Wycombe Wanderers 2-0 Plymouth Argyle.
— 🏴 James Richings 🇲🇾 (@James_BFP) April 15, 2022
What a win for the #Chairboys! Back into the play-offs with three games as @gmccleary12 bagged a first-half brace! Onto Wimbledon on Easter Monday!
Gareth Ainsworth was pleased with his side at the break.
The second-half saw neither side really penetrate the respected backlines.
Joe Jacobson saw his free-kick on 66 minutes go just over Cooper’s goal whilst Hanlan’s shot with 10 minutes to go smash into the side netting.
The result means Wycombe are now back in the play-off places, as they get ready to visit AFC Wimbledon on Easter Monday.
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