How Wycombe Wanderers Secured A Bristol Street Motors Trophy Final Slot
As fans gear up for the Bristol Street Motors Trophy final this weekend, with Wycombe Wanderers readying for their maiden appearance in the Wembley Stadium showpiece.
A run to the final has been in stark contrast to Wycombe’s recent history in the competition, having failed to make it past the group stage since reaching the semi-finals back in 2016/17.
In fact, the Chairboys hadn’t even scored a victory in the Trophy (without needing a penalty shootout) since November 2019 – although they didn’t compete in the 2020/21 competition having been promoted into the Championship for a single season.
That run without a victory in 90 minutes came to an end in the opening game of the group stage, although it took a last minute penalty kick from Luke Leahy to see off the challenge of Crystal Palace’s Academy side.
A single goal would also prove to be decisive in the group game away at Stevenage, where the home side would be on top for large spells before experienced forward Sam Vokes nodded in the winner with 20 minutes left to play.
Six points from two games would be enough to make it to the knock-out stages, and another 1-0 victory – this time at home to Wimbledon thanks to a late strike from Kieran Sadlier – ensured a perfect record to take into the knock-out stages.
The Round of 32 tie saw Wycombe go up against Fulham’s Academy team at Adams Park, with Dale Taylor making the most of late call-up to the starting eleven with a first-half double to put the home side in front.
Although Ollie O’Neill got Fulham back into the game before the break, Chris Forino put Wycombe two goals clear ten minutes from the end - with the Chairboys holding on to win despite a late consolation from Jonathan Esenga.
Another Academy side awaited in the Round of 16, with Wycombe taking an early lead against West Ham when Lewis Orford put through his own goal.
Things got even better when Richard Kone celebrated his debut with the second goal, with Gideon Kodua’s reply not enough to prevent Wycombe from earning a slot in the quarter-finals.
For the third successive round, an Academy side would provide the opposition in the last eight and an astonishing blitz of four goals in seven minutes either side of half-time would be the difference against Brighton.
Two goals from Sadlier, an own-goal from Leigh Kavanagh and an effort from Taylor put Wycombe in total control before Luca Barrington pulled one back for the visitors, but it was too little, way too late as Wanderers secured their place in the semi-finals.
A late smash and grab win at Valley Parade against Bradford, which saw the home side dominate before Matt Butcher grabbed the winner in stoppage time, wrapped up a trip to Wembley for the final and the opportunity to fight for a first cup victory in 30 years.