Hedges’ bet pays off for Glovers
RYAN HEDGES' decision to end his Wales Under-21 career was vindicated as his firsthalf goal won the game and lifted Yeovil away from the League Two relegation zone.
Swansea loanee Hedges was a regular for Geraint Williams’ Welsh youngsters, but at the age of 21 and with his country’s hopes of qualifying for the European Championships at an end, he’s opted to concentrate on club football.
And on an international weekend that move paid off as he slotted in the rebound after Jamal Blackman pushed Alex Lawless’s shot on to the post.
Wycombe never threatened to draw level, with Yeovil goalkeeper Artur Krysiak not required to make a serious save throughout the 90 minutes.
“It was a fantastic performance. We have a real togetherness in the squad and we needed that to win the game,” said Yeovil manager Darren Way.
“I thought we got our tactics spot on and caused Wycombe real problems.
“We’ve worked hard this week after the defeats away from home and the players will get a couple of days off now because they deserve it.
“The pressure is on all the time to get wins at this level and I want to thank the supporters for staying with us because we are trying to win games and develop young players at the same time.”
Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth admitted his side were below their best as they slipped back to 16th place, just one point ahead of Yeovil.
He said: “It was a disappointing performance, that’s unrecognisable for us. We didn’t show the energy and the proactive play we're used to.
“It was a terrible game. The ball was in the air a lot and Yeovil know what they’re doing. I think they only had two chances and they scored one of them.
“But we didn’t create very much and in the end one mistake at the back has cost us. We should defend better and pick up a 0-0.”
Nathan Smith forced an early save from Wycombe’s on-loan Chelsea keeper Blackman, while Garry Thompson wastefully shot wide when through on goal for the visitors.
Hedges goal came on 36 minutes as Lawless’s low drive was tipped on to the post and rebounded across the six-yard box, where the winger was on hand to tap in.
Otis Khan also forced a save from Blackman, but Glovers keeper Krysiak was virtually a spectator as Wycombe failed to create any clear-cut chances.