Wycombe Manager Targets Trophy Success

Matt Bloomfield, who took over as Wycombe boss from Gareth Ainsworth in February 2023, has challenged his team to “go one better” than their previous year’s performance in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy, having advanced to the last 32. The Chairboys secured their progression as group winners following a 2-1 victory against Crawley Town. This result extended their unbeaten run in league and cup competitions to eight matches. Striker Brandon Hanlan, making his first start in over a year after recovering from a serious knee injury, scored the opening goal for last season’s runners-up. “We’ve got a really busy schedule coming up but we do have a squad we believe in and we want everyone to have football so the fact that we’ve got plenty of games… Hopefully we’ll be able to give everyone enough to keep them happy and fighting for places,” Bloomfield told BBC Three Counties Radio. Wycombe reached the final last season, where they were defeated 2-1 by Peterborough United at Wembley. Bloomfield expressed satisfaction with his side’s ability to withstand pressure from Crawley in the second half, ensuring their spot in the knockout stage. “We take this competition very seriously, it was very kind to us last season, gave us a great day out and we want to go one better this year so we have to do these rounds correctly and we’re really pleased to get through,” he said. He added, “At 2-1, especially in a cup game, there’s nothing to lose and the opposition start throwing more and more forwards on. “Last season we had some tough moments, we conceded some late goals. It’s nice for the boys to dig in together and come through.” A concern for Wycombe was the injury sustained by experienced midfielder Josh Scowen late in the game, after he had been introduced as a substitute on the hour mark. Josh Scowen was helped off the pitch at Adams Park with a knee injury. Bloomfield commented on Scowen’s condition: “It looks like he’s tweaked his knee a little bit in a block tackle but we’ll have to get it scanned and see how it is. “He reminded me that he did it at Blackpool last year and six days later played at Wembley. That’s Josh, he’s a fighter. Hopefully it’ll settle down quickly.” Regarding Hanlan’s fourth-minute goal, Bloomfield stated it was an indication the striker had “the bit between his teeth” following his extended absence. He elaborated, “When he got injured last year it was such a shame because that’s as fit, sharp and strong as I’ve ever seen him,” adding, “We have to be careful with him because we can’t expect him to be at those levels straight away after a year out – but he certainly showed some promising signs on Saturday at Wigan and tonight it was a great finish.” Bloomfield concluded, “He’s got good players around him who are going to feed him opportunities and can hopefully get the best out of him.” Wycombe, currently positioned at the top of League One, is scheduled for their next fixture away to Lincoln City on 23 November.