Wycombe head coach Mike Dodds believes his side were in control as they defeated struggling Bristol Rovers 2-0 at Adams Park.
After a goalless opening 45 minutes in which the Chairboys had the better of the chances, two quickfire strikes from Cameron Humphreys and Daniel Udoh gave the home side their first league victory since the end of January.
Rovers’ task was made a lot harder when Shaq Forde was given a red card for a terrible tackle on former Pirate Luke Leahy, just six minutes after coming on as a substitute.
Mike Dodds
Speaking after securing his first victory in charge at the third attempt, Dodds said: “We spoke at half-time about having a little bit more of a threat and being more direct, and we did that and the game was put to bed.
“We were in control for the whole game regardless of the scoreline.
“We were very strong in possession and I don’t remember them having a shot at Will Norris’ goal.”
Dodds made four changes to the side that drew 1-1 at Crawley on Saturday, bringing in Caleb Taylor and Beryly Lubala.
Fin Back made his debut in the starting XI while Xavier Simons was handed his first start after a brief cameo at the weekend.
His start was vindicated as he played a huge role in both of Wycombe’s goals, claiming an assist for Udoh’s strike, with the Chairboys now five points above third-placed Wrexham.
Dodds said: “I have got the best job and the worst job as I am going to have to look at some players in the eye and say they’re not playing.
“I had to do that with Sonny (Bradley), who has been terrific in the last two games.
“But, I felt in this game, the pairing of Joe Low and Caleb Taylor was probably the right choice.
“Thankfully, I have been vindicated for it. That’s my role and sometimes I get it right, sometimes I get it wrong and if I do, I will have to eat some humble pie.”
Inigo Calderon
Rovers manager Inigo Calderon was not pleased with his side’s showing.
The result means the Pirates are now 18th, six points clear of the relegation zone.
The Spaniard, who has won four of his 11 games in charge, said: “It was not a good performance.
“The second balls were not enough, we were not strong enough in the 50/50s and overall, we were not good enough.
“It was a bad day. There were not many positives to take from the first half which is why I made the changes at half-time. We looked a bit better but overall, it was not enough.”
READ MORE: Mike Dodds off the mark at Wycombe Wanderers as Cameron Humphreys and Daniel Udoh score
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