By Ross Jeavons

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The Reserves recommenced their Pontin's Holiday Combination league campaign with a defeat on Tuesday afternoon, as Adams Park was basked in sunshine.

Despite being on top for the marjority of the game, Wanderers let slip a 1-0 lead to goals from Steve Kabba and Alessandro Campana.

After a quiet opening to the game, it was the Chairboys who managed the first real effort on target. With ten minutes gone on loan Reuben Reid was put through by Andre Boucaud, but in a one on one situation with keeper' Scott Loach he could only blaze his effort over the bar.

After 15 minutes a freekick was swung into the six yard box by Andre Boucaud from the left hand side of the area. Will Anwi rifled a shot low into the corner of the net, but he was denied the perfect come back, as the linesman had his flag up for offside.

However six minutes later Wycombe finally did take the lead. Robbie Rice showed some good work down the right hand side, before sending a low ball across the box that looked like it would be easily cleared. No Watford player got a foot to it though, and Reuben Reid was able to drive the ball well into the corner with a first time shot.

Ten minutes later however the Hornets equalised, with a Steve Kabba strike. A ball threaded through the back four saw the Wanderers defence all appealing for offside. However the flag never came, and the Watford front man was left open to run 20 yards and easily squeeze his strike under Adam Holloway to equal the scores.

WIth 38 minutes gone good work by Matthew Phillips in the centre of the park released Craig Woodman on the left. However John Sutton couldn't quite get hold of his inswinging cross.

Phillips again played a central role in the next Wycombe chance. After Watford goalkeeper Loach sliced his clearance poorly to the right wing, the Blues youngster tried an ambitious chip from all of 25 yards over the Watford keeper. His effort just drifted over the bar, but the 16-year-old should be given credit for his technique.

In the last minute of the half a lovely overhead ball from Reuben Reid was met yet again by Phillips on the right wing. His low cross was promising, but John Sutton saw his effort cleared off the line.

HALF TIME

Half time saw the returning Will Antwi replaced by Stuart Cattell. Last season's centre back star looked assured throughout the game, and his appearance will be a big boost to Paul Lambert.

As the second period swung into action John Sutton gathered the ball on the edge of the area, but after chesting the ball nicely down his half-volley was pushed away by Scott Loach.

After fifty seven minutes Reuben Reid did brilliantly to shove off his marker in his own half, before driving into Watford territory. He then released Craig Woodman on the left who squared for Sutton.

However the ex St. Mirren striker saw his stinging shot saved low to the left of Scott Loach.

It was a flowing move from the men in the blue quarters, who played some great football at times with Reid in particular looking impressive.

It was the on loan Plymouth man again who picked up the ball in the Hornets half, and spread a marvelous ball out wide to Woodman.

The ex-Bristol man did well to get to the edge of the area and fire a rasping shot at goal, which was only just knocked away.

On the hour mark Cherno Samba, training with the Blues with the permission of Plymouth Argyle, replaced John Sutton.

In the 70th minute Steve Kabba looked like he would get on the end of a looping header drifting towards the Wanderers goal line.

However Lewis Christon powered in front of him, clearing the ball brilliantly off the line.

Jack Obersteller replaced Craig Woodman at left-back with fifteen minutes remaining, who had looked very solid in the full back position.

Watford took the lead however with twelve minutes remaining.

Anthony McNamee burst down the left hand side, before cutting back and swinging a ball into the area.

The Blues' defence were caught napping, as Alessandro Campana stole in to head the ball past Holloway.

With just a minute remaining Wycombe tested Loach again, with a long range Duncan free kick forcing him to save low to his left.

That was the last of the action for the Blues however, with the full time whistle blowing without anymore incident.

Despite the result Paul Lambert and Ian Culverhouse will take some positives from the game, particularly the performances of Will Antwi and star man Reuben Reid.

The later will be pushing for an appearance at some stage on Saturday, when the first team travel to Macclesfield Town.

 

WYCOMBE WANDERERS

1. Adam HOLLOWAY (GK)
2. Robbie RICE
3. Craig WOODMAN
4. Will ANTWI
5.. Lewis CHRISTON
6. Leon CROOKS
7. Matthew PHILLIPS
8. Andre BOUCAUD
9. John SUTTON
10. Reuben REID
11. Derek DUNCAN

Substitutes:
12. Jack OBERSTELLER (On for Woodman 75)
14. Stuart CATTELL (on for Antwi 45)
15. Cherno SAMBA (on for Sutton 60)
16. Jamie TURLEY
17. James READING (GK)

WATFORD
12. Scott LOACH (GK)
2. Adam MARIAPPA
3. Matt JACKSON
4. Malky MACKAY
5. Cedric AVINEL
6. Alessandro CAMPANA
7. Douglas RINALDI
8. John O'TOOLE
9. Anthony McNAMEE
10. Steve KABBA
11. Will HOSKINS

Substitutes:
12. Junior OSBORNE
14. Liam HENDERSON
15. Kieron FORBES
16. Dale BENNETT
17. Callum FORBES (GK)
18. Robert KIERNAN

Referee: Mr G D SCOTT
Assistant Referees: MrL FORRESTER and M R JAYE

Goals: Reuben Reid (21), Steve Kabba (31), Alessandro Campana (78)

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