Penney predicts tough test

THE quest for mid-table security takes Athletic to Adams Park tomorrow for a clash against a side boss Dave Penney (pictured left) admits has made strides in recent weeks.

Under former Aldershot manager Gary Waddock, Wycombe Wanderers have responded positively after a 6-0 pounding at Huddersfield in mid-November — a performance the Chairboys boss said he was “embarrassed” by.

Three wins from five games — two at home — have followed that result and, although Wycombe are still third from bottom of Coca-Cola League One, Penney is wary of being over-confident following the deserved 2-0 win over Exeter at Boundary Park last week.

“It usually happens with a change of manager and change of players coming in and a fresh voice,” said Penney of Wycombe’s upturn in fortunes.

“They lost at Huddersfield quite heavily and since then it has given them the kick up the backside that they needed.

“It is never an easy place to go to. They are a big strong side and it will be a tough test for us.”

As for his own team, Penney travels south without groin injury victim Paul Black, who should return for the Boxing Day test against Tranmere. An unnamed youth team player will come into the squad to fill the last place on the bench.

Penney said he was satisfied with the Exeter victory from both a defensive and attacking viewpoint.

“It is nice to get back to a clean sheet and scoring goals and if you do that, you have obviously got a chance of winning games,” added the Athletic boss, who also confirmed that injured trio Chris Taylor, Reuben Hazell and Pawel Abbott should be back for the Christmas period.

“It was a big game against a team in and around us, and we leapfrogged them in the table so obviously it was a good result.

“The two strikers Paul Heffernan and Deane Smalley managed to get goals.

“Heff thrives on that and you could see Deane grew two or three inches when he scored that goal and was driving on stronger and stronger.

“So hopefully that confidence will give them and the team that little bit more belief that we can go on and win games.”

Heffernan’s strike last week was the 99th of his career in England.

Former Athletic midfielder Ian Westlake is doubtful for Wycombe with an ankle injury.

Athletic (probable): Flahavan; Lomax, Gregan, Marrow, Jacobson; Colbeck, Furman, Stephens, Whitaker; Heffernan, Smalley. Subs (from): Brill, Lee, Rowney, Parker, Brooke, Blackman, AN Other.

Wycombe (from): Shearer, Hunt, Woodman, Oliver, Mousinho, Westwood, Phillips, Davies, Betsy, Harrold, Akinde, Young, Duberry, Doherty, Bloomfield, Green, Beavon, Pittman, Westlake.


OFFICIALS at Wycombe confirmed today that the pitch at Adams Park, which has the benefit of undersoil heating, will be playable, but they are slightly concerned about snow outside the ground. Fans are urged to check before travelling.