Wycombe Report

By Eggy_Poolie
April 14 2007

Pools ran out 1-0 winners at Wycombe Wanderers this afternoon to secure their automatic promotion back to League One. A second-half goal from Richie Barker was enough for Pools on a hot sunny day to make sure of promotion.

I didnt go to the game this aftenoon so here is the report off the official website

Pools just edged things in the first half as both teams threw numbers forward in search of the opener.

The game was played out in bright sunshine and the weather certainly seemed to spur on the travelling army of Pools fans who were vociferous throughout.

The players also looked bright from the off as they set out in search of an early opener - James Brown and Andy Monkhouse causing problems on the wings.

Monkhouse saw an early headed effort go just over the post from a Ritchie Humphreys' corner kick while Richie Barker's effort from close range also narrowly missed target.

But for all of Pools' determination, the hosts had plenty of their own as they dug in deep in their bid to secure a play-off spot. With a three-man attack leading the line for Wycombe, they created some good openings and kept Dimi Konstantopoulos and his defence on their toes.

Tommy Doherty, who limped off mid way inside the first half, lifted in a teasing free kick into the area after James Brown had fouled on the edge of the area but Humphreys reacted well to glance wide. Matt Bloomfield could well have given the hosts the opener when he found himself in great space in the area from a Mooney ball but Dimi reacted well and pushed the ball clear of the arriving McGleish.

Pools did edge possession in the first period and, as the half progressed, Richie Barker and Eifion Williams found themselves with more space.

Barker went closest in the opening half when he executed a great overhead kick from close range but a combination of the keeper and post saw his effort rebound back into play - Williams tried to take advantage but the keeper recovered well.

Andy Monkhouse fired in a blistering effort from distance but the ball tipped just over the crossbar.

Things were not made easy for Pools this afternoon, with each side fighting hard for their own cause and the half-time whistle came at the perfect time to allow Wilson's team the chance to re-group.

The second half burst into life as Wanderers dug deep and former Poolie Jermaine Easter had a great chance to make it 1-0 with just five minutes on the clock but the striker saw his effort go wide of target.

Pools' keeper Konstantopoulos then came to the rescue as Easter once again found himself in a strong position inside the area but his punt on goal was blocked well by Dimi.

As tension mounted inside Adams Park, Pools mounted their first real move of the game on the counter attack but with Gary Liddle looking set to take advantage, the ball caught under his feet and he could only tap the ball towards target.

A good ball over the top from Monkhouse saw Eifion Williams able to make a dart at goal but his low drive curled just wide of the far post - the move did signal more involvement in the second period from Poolsas the hosts had dominated since the break.

David Foley replaced James Brown on the 65^th minute and the diminutive forward almost saw his first touch pay dividends; Foley touch the bal forward before trying to left it over the on-rushing defender but when Martin tried to head back to his keeper, he over-hit the ball and it was an athletic block from Batista which prevented the own goal.

Jermaine Eatser continued his personal battle with Dimi when he fired towards goal from close range but the Pools' keeper got down to held the chance comfortably.

Sub Joel Porter also went close to making the most of his introduction into the game as Pools upped their pressure; the striker was fed the ball through into a crowded area and created himself enough space to fire a shot at goal but with the Poolies behind the goal preparing the celebrate, Batista got down to spoil themoment.

And then, with the pressure rising, Andy Monkhouse made his way forward down the left wing before putting in a great searching cross into the area where Richie Barker rose highest to power a header home and secure Pools' automatic promotion place and keep up that stronghold at the top of the table.

There was still defending to do for Pools, with Dimi doing well to punch clear a shot from distance and Monkhouse heading another out of the danger area but Wilson's men held firm and went onto celebrate the victory and automatic promotion back to League One