Wycombe Wanderers began their EFL Trophy campaign with a 1-0 away defeat to Wimbledon at Plough Lane.

In what was the first match for the Chairboys in this competition since losing the final against Peterborough United in April, Matt Bloomfield field a strong starting 11 in South London.

There were starts for Alex Hartridge following his recent suspension, Sam Vokes, who has scored two in two league games, along with Matt Butcher, Kieran Sadlier and Dan Udoh.

And it was the Chairboys who started off the stronger as Treeeq Bakinson had two attempts that flew over the bar, whilst Vokes and Jason McCarthy were denied by Dons debutant Lewis Ward in the home goal.

McCarthy, who was making his first start of the season, also got in dangerous positions for Wanderers, but his crosses were thwarted.

For the original Dons, James Tilley and Joe Piggot caused many problems for Wycombe, but nothing too dangerous that tested goalkeeper Franco Ravizzoli.

Wycombe greatly improved in the second period and had ample attempts to go ahead.

Vokes’ long-range effort was tipped over by Ward, whilst Kieran Sadlier had three occasions went very close.

One of his most notable efforts was a free-kick that was blocked off the line.

However, the turning point of the contest came in the last five minutes, when Richard Kone inexplicably smashed his shot from six-yards wide of the target, despite having the whole of the goal to aim for.

From the resulting goal kick, Wimbledon substitute Omar Bugiel slotted from close range beyond Ravizzoli to give the London side the lead, and eventually the win.

The result means the Dons have won eight of 17 meetings between the two clubs since reforming in 2002.

For Wycombe, that’s three defeats in four games.

Up next is Rotherham United at home on August 24.