WAT A FINISH AS DUNCAN STRIKES
WYCOMBE boss Gareth Ainsworth believes his side sent a message to the league that they are here to compete – despite Duncan Watmore’s stoppage-time equaliser for Sunderland denying the Chairboys victory.
The home side had taken the lead in the first half through Alex Samuel, but the visitors claimed a dramatic equaliser in the second minute of stoppage time courtesy of Duncan Watmore.
“It’s really hard to look beyond the result and what happened at the end of the game, because I really thought we deserved the win,” said Ainsworth. “We created the better chances. It’s harsh. It’s a mistake for their goal, but that happens.
“We had awesome players out there – they had hearts that beat like lions and they were magnificent from the first whistle to the last. It’s unfortunate we’ve drawn the game. It feels like a loss, but a point against Sunderland, both home and away, is a message that Wycombe are here to compete.
“We’re here to give it everything, and the boys did that. So that was a great point, but it could have been three. We’re really proud. I couldn’t have asked for any more.
“If they deliver like that between now and the end of the season, we’ll be looking to see how far we can go, never mind how many points we need. It’s a really positive day.”
A late brawl that involved the two benches resulted in Nathan Tyson and George Honeyman receiving red cards, and Marcus Bean was sent off in stoppage time as he received a second yellow card.
Sunderland manager Jack Ross said: “I try to remain fairly clear-headed through it all, but we didn’t play well.
“There was nothing we didn’t expect in terms of how the game was played and what we would face, we just didn’t deal with it as well as we would have liked.
“It just wasn’t a good day for us. So to then dig something out of the match is testament to the players again.”
Wycombe started the brighter and should have claimed the lead in the 17th minute. Tyson picked out Luke Bolton as he crossed from the left, but the midfielder sliced wide. Aiden McGeady then dragged a long-range effort wide as Sunderland briefly threatened, but Wycombe continued to dominate and deservedly claimed the lead 10 minutes before the break.
Dominic Gape caught Lewis Morgan loitering in possession, and his through ball enabled Paris Cowan-Hall to square for Alex Samuel to slot home.
Sunderland improved in the second half, with Tom Flanagan heading Grant Leadbitter’s excellent freekick against the bar. And the visitors equalised in stoppage time, as Ryan Allsop was unable to hold Leadbitter’s shot, and Watmore pounced to fire home the rebound.