Birthday bonanza for Jacobson
JOE Jacobson is feeling on top of the world after marking his 33rd birthday in style – with a goal on his 500th appearance – in the 2-0 victory over Tranmere in League One.
Left-back Jacobson, 33, scored from the penalty spot – his sixth goal of the season – to secure Wycombe’s tenth win in 17 games.
Jacobson, who scored a hat-trick against Lincoln City earlier in the season, has been a key figure in Wycombe’s climb to the top of the division.
“My birthday couldn’t really have gone any better,” said Jacobson. “To have an assist and a goal within a couple of minutes helped take the pressure off the lads.
“We were under the cosh at times during the first half, but we’ve become very good at defending leads.” Dead-ball specialist Jacobson has missed three matches this season – and Wycombe have been awarded penalties in each one – so he says his goal tally could have been even higher. “Seven is the most I’ve scored in one season so to have six by November is a great. I’m on all the set-pieces – corners, penalties and freekicks – and things just seem to be going my way right now. I feel confident every time I step foot on the pitch and feel like I will create or score in every game. It’s great to be contributing at both ends, while the team winning and doing well.”
Asked what he did after the game on his birthday, Jacobson said: “I wasn’t feeling 100 per cent so just got a take-away and had a quiet night at home with my wife, who also celebrates her birthday this week. But the lads have promised me a nice spread after our next game. The club look after me really well and it’s an exciting time to be here after the recent takeover.”
Jacobson has also been praised by his manager, Gareth Ainsworth. “He told me I’m playing the best football since I’ve been here. I feel good, fit and am contributing regularly,” said Jacobson.
“Making my 500th appearance against Tranmere was a really proud moment and made all the sacrifices worthwhile.”