27.08.23 Match Report

A second League One defeat in a row as Rovers lose 2-1 to Wycombe at the Mem.

 

Joey Barton made five changes to the team that started in the defeat against Cambridge, including competitive debuts for both George Friend and Jack Hunt.

 

Rovers enjoyed early possession and dominated the opening fifteen minutes with Scott Sinclair and George Friend combining plenty of times down the left, however, they lacked the key pass to unlock any clear chances.

 

In the 19th minute, Wycombe won a free kick in a dangerous crossing position down the right after a foul by Tristan Crama. Leahy's cross found defender Joseph Low as he headed the ball past Cox and into the bottom right corner to put Wycombe a goal ahead.

 

The goalscorer's provocative celebration was enough to see him pick up a yellow card for his actions.

 

George Friend picked up a yellow card after a late tackle on Vincent-Young.

 

Rovers picked up momentum as the end of the half neared as Cox played a brilliant diagonal pass to Sinclair but a heavy sliding tackle by Forino-Joesph put the chance to bed and out for a corner.

 

The best chance of the half for the home side came when Jevani Brown received a bouncing ball on the left side of the six-yard box which he fired into the post.

 

After, half-time it was once again Rovers who dominated the possession but Wycombe had a chance early on bringing in Matthew Cox into the action and forcing an excellent save to tip the ball over the bar, after a shot from range.

 

A couple of substitutions for Rovers came when Grant, Marquis and Bogarde came on for Sinclair, Ward and Friend.

 

James Wilson found himself in the book after a late tackle that forced Dale Taylor to be stretchered off the pitch.

 

Wycombe picked up a second goal as McCleary was played through by Hanlan and finished past Cox. The hosts were not happy as they believed Bogarde was fouled in the build-up which allowed the visitors to gain possession. Bogarde subsequently picked up a yellow card for his protests. 

 

More changes as Joey Barton swapped Finley and Hunt for Evans and Vale.

 

After applying heavy pressure, Rovers finally got a goal as Tristan Crama pulled a cross back from the right to substitute Harvey Vale who tucked the ball into the bottom left corner.

 

Low then found himself denying a certain goal as he blocked Crama's volley inside the box to give Wycombe the win.

 

Attendance - 7,951 (329 away)

 

 

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