Despite the result, it was another positive outing for Alex Revell’s who matched the recently relegated from the Championship side throughout the contest, as pre-season continues ahead of the league commencing in three weeks’ time…
The match was played behind-closed-doors at Wycombe’s training ground, and a starting lineup of Anang, Coker, Cuthbert, Vancooten, James-Wildin, Carter, Lines, Taylor, Reeves, Reid and Daly was named for the first half against a strong Wycombe side.
Alex Revell’s side started well in the opening few minutes after good combination play from Ben Coker and Charlie Carter on the left flank, but the Wycombe defence backed by David Stockdale in goal stood firm to deny any potential Stevenage chances.
Just after, Joseph Anang did well to stand tall and tip Wycombe’s Jordan Obita’s fierce effort over the bar from a tight angle.
Midway through the first half, Stevenage had their first clear sight at goal. Again it was Charlie Carter the creative spark, playing slightly deeper than he had been earlier in pre-season, working his way through the Wycombe back line and asking the questions. Carter found Ben Coker in a crossing position, whose first time cross found James Daly in the middle. The forward dived to get his head on the ball, only to see his attempt fall just wide of the near post.
With ten minutes to go until the break, Stevenage went close again but this time from a less obvious outlet. After Carter won a corner from driving at the Wycombe defence, Jake Reeves’ corner looped over everyone but Scott Cuthbert. The skipper’s left footed volley was on target and looked to be heading in, but for the hands of Stockdale to keep the ball out.
Wycombe then had a chance of their own to take the lead as the temperature continued to rise in a blue skied Buckinghamshire. A goal mouth scramble allowed Wanderers’ Linton to fire at an empty net, but for Terence Vancooten’s awareness to keep the ball out from off the line.
A minute later, and Wycombe took the following chance to take the lead. A ball from deep fell perfectly for Scott Kashkett to bravely tap home the opener.
Half-time came and the League One side had the advantage.
Before the start of the second period, Alex Revell made two changes with Jack Smith and Elliot Osborne introduced for Jamie Reid and Chris Lines.
Ten minutes into the restart, Wycombe had a golden opportunity to double their lead. A long kick from deep inside their own half the Wycombe right wing-back who fired a low ball across the face of goal, only to by met by a Trialist who fired over from six yards.
Stevenage then almost carved out the perfect opportunity to level the game. A quick one-two from and a nutmeg allowed Elliot Osborne to find Luther James-Wildin inside the box, whose shot was deflected behind for a corner.
Alex Revell’s men continued to press relentlessly in the heat, before wholesale changes were made with half an hour to play. Ross Marshall, Luke Prosser, Alfie Williams, Mackye Townsend-West, Brad Barry and two trialists were introduced as Boro looked to get on level terms.
Charlie Carter was reintroduced for James Daly with ten minutes remaining, and almost got Boro level with a right footed strike from the corner of the box - however the Wanderers’ keeper was equal to it.
Stevenage continued to huff and puff in an attempt to find that all important equaliser, but the experienced Wycombe back line stayed regimented to keep any clear chances to a minimum.
Focus now move to Ipswich Town on Tuesday, as pre-season preparations for Alex Revell’s side continue.
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