Patterson’s half-time exchange while Ainsworth shows his class
After the emotion had died down slightly and everyone inside Adams Park was given a chance to breathe, Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth made a beeline towards the Sunderland fans.
A ins worth knew how much the travelling contingent had contributed to this thrilling League One contest and was quick to applaud the packed out away end in the East Stand.
The Chair boys boss was understandably buoyed after his side had snatched a last-gasp equaliser in the eighth minute of stoppage time to make it 3-3.
Joe Jacobson’s finish prevented Sunderland going back to the top of the table, yet the travelling supporters were still in good voice, clapping their team off after a spirited display.
While comm ending players from his own team, Ainsworth also found time to engage with the deflated Sunderland players, first shaking hands with sub Jack Diamond, then Tom Flanagan, and then Ross Stewart. A classy gesture.
Here are some of the other moments you may have missed:
Preece’s chat with Patterson: After being recalled from Notts County at short notice, Anthony Patterson started in goal for Sunderland, making just his third appearance in League One.
The 21-year-old made some important saves during an end to-end contest, but was caught out for Wycombe’ s second goal.
After Ross Stewart headed an in-swinging Wycombe corner into the air, Patterson was left scrambling on his linebefore striker Sam Vokes nodded the ball home.
There were appeals from some Sunderland players that Patterson had been fouled by Brandon Hanlan, and Wycombe’s physicality from corners had clearly been discussed before the match.
At half-time, Patterson was sought out by Sunderland goal keeping coach David Preece and the pair exchanged words before heading down the tunnel. Patterson could be seen making a pushing motion on his way off the pitch, presumably relating to the aforementioned incident.
Akinfenwa’s wave: Wycombe striker Adebayo Akinfenwa was goaded by the Sunderland fans throughout the contest, as the 39-year-old started on the bench.
The away supporters repeatedly started chants about the forward’s physique, yet he appeared to see the funny side.
As Akinfenwa made his way off the pitch at half-time, here cited by waving at the East Stand as he lapped up the recognition.
Late set-piece proves costly: Wycombe’ slate equaliser was areal sick en eras Sunderland appeared to beheading for a big three points.
The goal came as the hosts caused panic from a late corner when goalkeeper David Stockdale went forward.
Yet it was centre-back Chris Forino-Joseph who won the initial header, arriving late in the box after getting away from Diamond, who was the closest player to him when the corner was delivered.
Diamond was introduced in the final ten minutes, replacing the injured Corry Evans, and did look lively going forward.
Yet the late change appeared to disrupt the visitors’ plans when defending setpieces, as Forino-Joseph was allowed a free header.
The first effort was saved by Patterson but Jacob son was alert to convert the rebound at the death.