Wycombe v Luton 6/2

[Kenneth E End]

Luton beat a dogged and determined Wycombe side 1-0 at Adams Park today; however it could've been more for both sides.

The Chairboys started off the brighter in the first half an hour; Luton barely getting into the 18 yard box let alone have a shot on goal. I don't think Allsop in the Wycombe goal took a goal kick until about the 25th minute. Luton in their new style passing it amongst the goalkeeper and back four almost came a-cropper a number of times, the most noteworthy being a mistake from Sheehan resulting in a 1-on-1 put wide.

The Hatters grew into the game and took the lead against the run of play with a screamer from Cameron McGeehan; a volley from 20 yards out into the top corner. Suddenly, Luton gained confidence and continued to pass it around well, without really testing the keeper again.

Key moment in the game - injury time in the first half, Michael Harriman puts a cross into the area and clearly handled by Stephen O'Donnell; no penalty. Perhaps a bit of luck that Luton needed?

At half time, goalscorer McGeehan and Olly Lee had a 'coming together' shall we say en route to the changing rooms; didn't really show either party in a particularly good light.

The second half wasn't particularly littered with chances, however Luton, who were on the front foot throughout the game, defended resolutely. Wycombe had a goal chalked off for a clear foul on the keeper half way through the second half, however apart from that I don't particularly remember them having any clear cut opportunities.

I've never been one to particularly buy into the Wycombe 'style of play' as has been claimed on here by some. However, today, especially in the second half, the most physical side I've seen this season. What I was especially unimpressed with was the number of occasions that Wycombe players gave 'some afters' to Luton; Sido Jombati being the main culprit up against Craig Mackail-Smith, who had been causing problems all afternoon. No need for it really.

 

[That Fat Centre Half]

Unless I'm thinking of a different incident there is no way the handball was a penalty, looked too close to the player to be deliberate, might have been my position though Think I've seen less and less of those given this season as well.

First 20-25 minutes I thought we were going to get an absolute hiding frankly, we were awful and Wycombe could have been a couple of goals up if they were more clinical, were particularly unlucky with a nice little corner routine which I was certain there full back was going to score from.

Once we rode that out we played very well i thought, McGeehans
Goal was superb and deserved to win any game. He is becoming a bit of a prima Donna if you ask me though. Thought his celebration was a bit unnecessary, he's had plenty of support over his time here, as was his having a go at Lee at the end of the first half, thought Lee was pretty justified in telling him to fuck off frankly, would be fine if McGeehan wasn't prone to the exact mistake that McGeehan was berating him for.

Mackail Smith ran himself into the ground, felt for him when he rolled that chance past the post, he deserved a goal for his performance today and he must be getting very down about not scoring as any striker would.

Although neither Lee or Lawless had bad games by any means I still think we need something better in central midfield, if we had 2 decent central players then i can see everything else clicking into place.

Overall after we settled I thought we were excellent today, certainly seeing good signs from us for next season.

 

[thewwfc]

Our inability to score from open play is pretty concerning really. We're crying out for a decent loan striker, but who knows whether we have the cash to get one in.

 

[mowgli]

We're awful at home so mid table obscurity awaits. I read this morning that Ainsworth is among the favourites for the Barnsley job,not bothered if he goes or stays but he needs to change his style of play as we're losing fans attending games and i can't blame them. As the wwfc says we desperately need our striker as Hayes always seems to be carrying knocks and Ugwu and Amadi-Holloway are not good enough for League 2. As for the money we sold Matt Ingram for £500,000 according to QPR plus we earned £350,000 from The FA Cup,yes we have a smallish debt compared to what it was when the trust took over but surely we can afford to bring a striker in on loan. If we don't start scoring soon our attendances will drop even further hitting the club in the pocket.

 

[thewwfc]

As the wwfc says we desperately need our striker as Hayes always seems to be carrying knocks and Ugwu and Amadi-Holloway are not good enough for League 2.

Amadi-Holloway *is* good enough for League 2, the sad thing is he seemingly can't be arsed to show it. I think he's had his chances though, would rather ship him out on loan but not sure who'd take him.

I expect Ugwu was just the cheap option and desperate to keep playing league football, Ainsworth has been very clear that we need to take punts on unfancied players with our budget, but the policy is really not bearing fruit from the striker side.

 

[mowgli]

Maybe it's time we looked at some non league players,after all Vardy was playing in The Conference 3 years ago.

 

[thewwfc]

It's not a bad call, I remember Posh went through a spell of picking out some decent non-league players, although I think that was when the late Keith Alexander still managed them and he had great contacts in that scene.

I'm not sure if we can even afford scouts any more!

 

[David Curries Mullet]

Posh still trawl the non-league successfully. Two of their better players currently, Maddison and Oztumer both came from non-league.

 

[Kenneth E End]

Posh still trawl the non-league successfully. Two of their better players currently, Maddison and Oztumer both came from non-league.

Oztumer should've joined Luton - all agreed before we pulled the plug after failing a medical.
Also Lee Angol is a menace for them - a player who never played a first team game for us.

 

[mowgli]

Posh still trawl the non-league successfully. Two of their better players currently, Maddison and Oztumer both came from non-league.

And Beautyman as well.

 

[Trapdoor]

Posh bought Tom Nichols off us who will be a very good player for them. They are quite good at developing players to be fair.