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A goal conceded in each half saw Wanderers lose 2-0 to Portsmouth at Adams Park in the third pre-season friendly prior to the 2004/5 campaign. Despite all the pre-match hype Wycombe fielded much the same line-up as the one that beat Dorchester the previous Saturday. Still missing though injury were Craig Faulconbridge, Danny Senda, Nathan Tyson and Mike Williamson. They are all expected to return before the season starts proper on 7th August. Wanderers fielded one traillist in the starting line-up - former Brentford 'keeper Alan Julian getting his second chance having appeared in the opening pre-season game at Beaconsfield.Julian had to be alert in the opening stages as typically laid back friendly encounter saw Pompey striker Aiyegbeni Yakubu waste two good chances - the latter seeing Julian quick off his line to deflect the ball wide. Wanderers best chances came when Mark Philo struck wide in the 8th minute and on 20 minutes when Gus Uhlenbeek sent in a powerful shot from the right flank that Shaka Hislop blocked at the near post. Pompey took the lead on 23 minutes when a cross from the right by Andy Griffin was slotted in from a central position by Yakubu. Pompey made several changes at the break and it prompted Wycombe's best spell of the game. On 52 minutes Philo got free down the right channel and under challenge managed to get a shot in at the near post. Sadly for the former Wanderers Youth Teamer he fell awkwardly on his ankle and after six minutes of treatment was carried off with what was later confirmed as a fracture and will consequently be out of action for an estimated six months. Jonny Dixon, replaced at half-time, returned to cover for Philo's injury while midway through the half Tony Adams made more change as Wanderers finished the game with a very youthful line-up. It was still the visitors who always looked likely to score but Wycombe almost scored on the break in the 75th minute when Dixon latched on to a through ball from midfield. He took the ball wide of the advancing 'keeper and then sent in a low cross from the right that former Wimbledon Youth Teamer Shahed Ahmed flicked onto the foot of the far post. Wycombe finished the game brightly. With five minutes remaining Roger Johnson made a run from midfield and when the ball broke loose it was Dixon who curled an effort just wide of the right-hand upright. However, at the other end former Colchester loanee Rowan Vine sent a header against the post. Then in the 87th minute a low cross from the Pompey right by ex-Forest and Villa midfielder Steve Stone was slotted home from close range by Kevin Harper to delight the 600 strong following for the South coast side. The friendlies continue for Wycombe on Saturday 24th July with an away match at Weymouth, kick-off 3pm. Final Score: Wycombe 0 Portsmouth 2
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