Wycombe 1 Cheltenham Town 2: Guinan's strike rewards Cheltenham resilience

Amar Azam
Sunday 14 May 2006 00:00 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Cheltenham retained their unbeaten status against their play-off opponents Wycombe after a gritty performance saw them edge this enjoyable League Two semi-final first leg. In truth, the result flattered John Ward's team but their sheer resilience at Adams Park last night means they will go into the second leg as favourites.

Wycombe proved enterprising in attack in the first half, with the forwards ably assisted by an alert and tenacious midfield task force. Cheltenham meanwhile, were ineffective. However moments before the interval, the visitors snatched the lead, very much against the run of play as the midfielder John Finnigan fired his low, right-footed shot under goalkeeper Steve Williams.

Steve Guinan was then presented with a gilt-edged opportunity to extend the Robins advantage with a free header, but the striker missed the target. More alarmingly for the Wycombe coaching staff, however, was the scant possession and their supporters grew restless as evidenced by the lack of vocal support.

The Wycombe substitute Jermaine Easter came desperately close with a fine volley on 69 minutes but it went just over, leaving the hosts to rue the miss six minutes later when Guinan tipped the scales towards Cheltenham with a low drive. Deep into injury time, the veteran striker Tommy Mooney struck for Wycombe, however, to leave this tie delicately poised.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in