Wycombe 3-1 Southend
- Published
Wycombe came from behind to seal promotion back to League One at the first attempt with a win over Southend.
The Chairboys found themselves a goal down when former Wycombe midfielder Anthony Grant turned neatly and curled a shot into the top left hand corner.
But Scott Donnelly equalised for the home side from inside the box, and Ben Strevens poked home to put Wycombe in front before half-time.
Scott Rendell pounced on a lose ball in the box to cap the victory.
Before kick-off, Wycombe boss Gary Waddock knew his men required a win to guarantee an automatic promotion spot, or they could afford to match fourth-place Shrewsbury's result, who faced Oxford.
But, once the home side went in front, they never looked like surrendering the lead and ran out worthy winners in what was an entertaining game.
Southend had started brightly and Bilel Mohsni's header forced a fine save from Wycombe goalkeeper Nikki Bull inside five minutes.
And they were deservedly in front through Grant's eighth goal of the season.
However, the Chairboys hit back against the run of play only five minutes later after a quick break from Stuart Lewis, who set up Donnelly to equalise.
And the impressive Strevens pounced on an error from Shrimpers goalkeeper Glenn Morris, who failed to punch away Danny Foster's floating cross.
The home side, buoyed by the turnaround, began to dominate and five minutes after half-time Scott Rendell's 19th goal of the season sparked scenes of celebration at Adams Park.
It could have been even better for Wycombe but fine saves from Morris denied first Strevens and then Andy Sandell late on.
And they held the two-goal cushion until the final whistle, which signalled a pitch invasion from the jubilant home fans.
POST-MATCH REACTION
Wycombe manager Gary Waddock told BBC Three Counties Radio:
"I'm delighted for everyone at the club. We have secured promotion with a fantastic group of players here. I am delighted for every single one of them.
"It shows what a group of players we have got. We went a goal down here today, they didn't panic, as we didn't last week. We hit form and gathered momentum to see us over the line.
"We'll go into League One looking to enjoy ourselves. We don't want the yo-yo effect, we have to make sure that we consolidate so we can build something here."