Terry Howard’s first goal for Wycombe secured a draw for Wanderers as they came from behind to take a point against Third Division Fulham in a lacklustre Auto Windscreens Cup tie at Adams Park this evening.
Wycombe’s seventh draw of the season was a disappointment to manager Alan Smith, who bemoaned his side’s passive display, which leaves them needing a win at Walsall next month to progress in the competition. The Chairboy have struggled for goals with strikers Steve McGavin and Miguel de Souza only scoring twice in nine matches since the opening day – and they had to rely on captain Howard to cancel on Mike Conroy’s early goal to avoid an embarrassing home defeat.
McGavin, the club’s second record signing at £140,000, demonstrated his lack of poise in front of goal by spurning a pair of good opportunities inside the first three minutes. He spooned a shot high over Lee Harrison’s goal from a David Farrell cross before blasting over from eight yards and the home side were punished from Fulham’s first corner of the evening two minutes later after Nick Cusack’s overhead kick was well saved by Paul Hyde. Cusack climbed highest to nod on Gary Brazil’s ball and the unmarked Conroy fired home.
Wycombe eventually equaliser in similar fashion with Howard heading home after Dave Carroll’s corner was flicked on by Steve Brown. John Williams drove just over the bar from distance and the hosts came even closer when Harrison fisted away a cross from Farrell and Brown rifled a drive against the far post. Fulham might have won it in the closing stages when Cusack saw a shot bravely saved by Hyde, before Conroy caused consternation by challenging the goalkeeper as he gathered the loose ball. That sparked a melee that was quelled by referee Andy D’Urso and both sides had to settle for a point apiece.
WYCOMBE WANDERERS: Hyde; Howard, Cousins, Rowbotham, Hardyman (Bell 65), de Souza, Brown, Farrell, Carroll, Williams, McGavin. Subs (not used): Patterson, Soloman.
GOAL: Howard (24)
FULHAM: Harrison; Finnigan, Angus, Taylor, Bower, Cusack, Mison, Morgan, Thomas, Conroy, Brazil. Subs (not used): Williams, Brooker, Barkus.
BOOKED: Finnigan.
GOAL: Conroy (4).
REFEREE: Andy D’Urso (Billericay).
ATTENDANCE: 2,756.
