Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth believes the semi-finals against Milton Keynes will not ‘feel like cup games’, as both sides fight for a place in the League One play-off final.
The all-Buckinghamshire battles will see the two outfits take each other on over the course of three days.
This will mean by the end of this season, both Wycombe Wanderers and Milton Keynes would have played each other five times in all competitions.
Adams Park will be sold out by kick-off on Thursday night.
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) May 4, 2022
- Arrive early to ease traffic and turnstile queues
- Do not drive up to Adams Park without a parking pass
- Abusive and discriminatory conduct will not be tolerated#WYCvMKD https://t.co/Cj8a52pnFX
And with the regular league season now over, Ainsworth is hoping that the dream of playing second-tier football once more will get his players ready for the semi-finals.
Wycombe were relegated from the Championship last season, whilst MK have not been in the division since 2016.
He said: “They certainly don’t feel like league games.
“The league is finished, and we well and truly know that these play-off games are on their own, and it’s brilliant to have these in football.
“I can’t wait and they are not even like cup games.
Super @samsaunders7 is back at Adams Park tomorrow night, as part of the Sky Sports presenting team with @MichelleOwen7 and Jamie Mackie.#WYCvMKD pic.twitter.com/vl986T3lE7
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) May 4, 2022
“We have to be out our best to beat them but we don’t fear anyone in this league and that’s really important to reiterate.
“Getting into the play-offs has been achieved, but I didn’t think we would need 83 points to get there.
“The lads have been brilliant, the fans have been fantastic, and this has been a really brilliant season.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it and what an exciting finish we’ve got coming in.”
There are some superb fan photos from Saturday's away day triumph over on our Facebook page!#BURvWYC
— Wycombe Wanderers (@wwfcofficial) May 3, 2022
The 48-year-old also praised the performances of Wanderers’ opponents.
Milton Keynes finished the regular season with 89 points, their highest total in League One since 2015, which was the year they gained promotion to the Championship.
READ MORE: Blackburn Rovers shortlist Gareth Ainsworth in search for new manager
Ainsworth continued: “I know that MK are quite a young side with not that much [play-off] experience, but there will be plenty of energy, enthusiasm and good technique in that team.
“It’s going to be a real clash and I am looking forward to it.”
To purchase your tickets for the match, www.wwfc.com/news/2022/april/30/tickets-mk-dons-h-05-05.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here