Wycombe boss sets sights on Trophy triumph

Matt Bloomfield replaced long-serving Gareth Ainsworth as Wycombe boss in February 2023

Wycombe boss Matt Bloomfield has challenged his team to "go one better" than last year in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy after reaching the last 32.

The Chairboys progressed as group winners following a 2-1 victory over Crawley Town, which extended their winning streak in league and cup to eight matches.

Striker Brandon Hanlan marked his first start for over a year following a serious knee injury by scoring the first goal for last season's runners-up.

"We've got a really busy schedule coming up but we do have a squad we believe in and we want everyone to have football so the fact that we've got plenty of games... Hopefully we'll be able to give everyone enough to keep them happy and fighting for places," Bloomfield told BBC Three Counties Radio.

Wycombe reached the final last season only to lose 2-1 to Peterborough United at Wembley.

Bloomfield was happy to see his side fend off Crawley pressure in the second half to make sure of their place in the knockout stage.

"We take this competition very seriously, it was very kind to us last season, gave us a great day out and we want to go one better this year so we have to do these rounds correctly and we're really pleased to get through," he said.

"At 2-1, especially in a cup game, there's nothing to lose and the opposition start throwing more and more forwards on.

"Last season we had some tough moments, we conceded some late goals. It's nice for the boys to dig in together and come through."

One concern for Wycombe was the loss of experienced midfielder Josh Scowen with an injury late in the game after being sent on as a substitute on the hour mark.

Josh Scowen is helped off the pitch at Adams Park with a knee injury

Bloomfield said: "It looks like he's tweaked his knee a little bit in a block tackle but we'll have to get it scanned and see how it is.

"He reminded me that he did it at Blackpool last year and six days later played at Wembley. That's Josh, he's a fighter. Hopefully it'll settle down quickly."

On Hanlan's fourth-minute goal, Bloomfield said it was a sign the striker has "the bit between his teeth" following his prolonged lay-off.

"When he got injured last year it was such a shame because that's as fit, sharp and strong as I've ever seen him," he said.

"We have to be careful with him because we can't expect him to be at those levels straight away after a year out - but he certainly showed some promising signs on Saturday at Wigan and tonight it was a great finish.

"He's got good players around him who are going to feed him opportunities and can hopefully get the best out of him."

Wycombe, who are top of League One, are next in action with a trip to Lincoln City on 23 November.