Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth has revealed that Garath McCleary wasn’t going to play in Wanderers’ 2-0 win against MK at Adams Park.
In the first-ever play-off match between the two sides, the Jamaican international started and assisted the Chairboys’ second goal, which was scored via Sam Vokes' head with 10 minutes remaining.
You guys gave us that today… thank you. Same again Sunday 🥰😘 https://t.co/VHAsHM1Qqw
— Garath McCleary (@gmccleary12) May 6, 2022
However, his involvement in the Buckinghamshire derby was nearly in doubt after he picked up an injury in Wanderers’ 2-1 victory against Burton Albion on April 30.
It is also not known if Anis Mehmeti and Brandon Hanlan will feature in the return leg on May 8 in Milton Keynes.
Ainsworth revealed at full-time: “Garath McCleary was a doubt after Saturday as there was no way he was going to feature following the Burton game, but this morning [May 5], he came in and passed a fitness test.
Garath McCleary numbers vs MK Dons
— Six Pointer Stats (@SixPointerStats) May 5, 2022
41 touches
19 accurate passes (83%)
6 accurate crosses
4 key passes
1 assist
2 aerials duels won
7.6 rating#Chairboys | #EFLPlayOffs | #WYCvMKD pic.twitter.com/sxX83h79AP
“We’ve had some hairy moments with these boys as we’ve lost Brandon Hanlan, Anis Mehmeti, and Jack Young, so we have lost quite a few which has been scary at times.
“But I thought some of the legs out there were phenomenal and Josh Scowen was everywhere again.”
The result means Wycombe are now unbeaten in 13 matches, where they have won eight and drawn five.
Eight clean sheets have also been kept by the Chairboys in that time.
The second leg will begin at 6.30pm on Sunday, May 8.
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