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League Two

Gareth Ainsworth calls for Wycombe Wanderers calm

16 August 2014

Wycombe Wanderers boss Gareth Ainsworth is refusing to get carried away just yet despite seeing his side continue their impressive start to the Sky Bet League 2 season with a 3-1 win over Carlisle United.

After last year's struggles on the pitch, Ainsworth is enthused by Wycombe's electric start and they sit near the top of the table thanks to second-half goals from Aaron Pierre, Paul Hayes and Peter Murphy.

"The effort was fantastic by each player," said Ainsworth.

"We've changed a few things both on and off the pitch. Finishing 19th in the league last year has allowed me to build from nothing, build from rock bottom, and if we keep on playing like that we'll pick up a few more points than we did last year.

"I'm really pleased with the performance but there's a big, long journey to come. The fans were on board with that and if they can come on that with us then that will be fantastic.

"I thought the boys really stuck to the game plan, stuck to what we've worked on week-in week-out, and the togetherness and hard work was evident.

"I'm not going to get carried away after last year, though."

Wycombe started like an express train and had the better of the chances in a goalless first half but neither goalkeeper was properly tested.

The hosts started the second half in the same fashion and took a deserved lead in the 55th minute from Pierre's powerful header. The former Brentford defender was picked out superbly by Sam Wood and made no mistake from six yards out.

The Cumbrians hit straight back, however, after good work from substitute Pat Brough found Brad Potts free and the 20-year-old volleyed home from close range.

Wycombe continued to press and took the lead again in the 77th minute when the impressive Hayes scored from the spot after Sean O'Hanlon had handled in the area.

The home side then put the game out of reach when midfielder Murphy found acres of space in the box and side-footed home.

Carlisle manager Graham Kavanagh was left to reflect on a disappointing day.

He said: "It was a very difficult afternoon. We didn't play anywhere near the level that we can.

"We have got to regroup and organize ourselves very quickly. A few of the players didn't understand what League Two was all about.

"Well they do now, we're two games in and getting punished for silly mistakes.

"I think we need more courage. All week we get the balls out, we play, we pass. I've signed good players but as a group we're not showing what we're capable of.

"We keep using the word 'bravery'. You've got to have bravery on the ball but you've got to win your battles first. It's not pretty football and it won't be for most of the season.

"When we got back into the game at 1-1 I was very much thinking we're in the ascendancy and we're going to nick it. If you give away two silly, cheap goals you just can't legislate for that no matter how much work you do on the training ground."


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