Wycombe Wanderers earned their third win in four matches in 2023 as they defeated Port Vale 3-0 at Vale Park.
In what was their first visit to the stadium in six years, the opening 10 minutes were frantic as both teams registered three shots each.
First, Dennis Politic’s header on three minutes went just wide of Max Stryjek’s goal, before David Wheeler and Sam Vokes both saw their shots moments later get heroically blocked in a goalmouth scramble.
12 - GOOOALLLL!!!! BRANDON HANLAN!
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 4, 2023
⚪️ 0-1🔵#PVFC #Chairboys
Despite the brilliant Vale defending, the Chairboys took the lead on 13 minutes through a well-taken goal by Brandon Hanlan.
The 25-year-old was expertly found by Lewis Wing, and after the former Bristol Rovers man eluded the presence of Dan Jones, Hanlan struck his shot on the outside of his right boot and beyond Jack Stevens from 10-yards.
It’s his second goal of the season.
Vale responded with half-chances, with their best effort falling to Mal Benning, but his half-volley on 24 minutes flew over the target.
And it's tucked away by @joe_jacobson! Vale Park starts to empty as the Welshman celebrates his second of the campaign, and his first in the league this season!
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 4, 2023
⚪️ 0-2🔵 #PVFC #Chairboys
The second-half was a cagey affair but the fixture was settled in the final 15 minutes when Joe Jacobson and Garath McCleary wrapped up the win.
On 77 minutes, Jordan Obita’s cross was handled in the box by Jones, and the Welshman tucked away his second of the season from the spot.
80 - OH MY WORD, @gmccleary12! What a goal!
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 4, 2023
Wycombe are running away with it now!
⚪️ 0-3 🔵#PVFC #Chairboys
It was his first in the league since January 2022, and it was Wycombe's first penalty since December 2021.
Three minutes later, McCleary sealed the three points with a stunning close-range finish in front of the 389 travelling Wycombe fans.
FT: Port Vale 0-3 Wycombe Wanderers.
— James Richings (@James_BFP) February 4, 2023
It wasn't pretty, but Wycombe forced out a result against a stubborn Port Vale side as they continue their play-off push.
Hanlan, Jacobson (pen), and a McCleary screamer make it three wins in four for the #Chaoirboys in 2023..
It was the Jamaican’s fifth of the campaign.
Wycombe remain just outside the play-off places and will host Derby County on February 11.
Attendance: 7,287 (389 away)
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