Wycombe Wanderers stun Portsmouth 2-0 in FA Cup third‑round upset
When Wycombe Wanderers knocked Portsmouth FC out of the Emirates FA Cup with a tidy 2‑0 win, the town of Wycombe buzzed like a night market. The drama unfolded at Adams Park on Friday, 10 January 2025, under the bright lights of a 7:45 PM GMT kickoff. Referee Tom Reeves kept a tight ship, while 5,240 fans watched a League One side pull off a classic cup upset against a Championship opponent.
Match Overview
The tie, officially recorded as a FA Cup third‑round matchAdams Park, promised a battle of contrasting ambitions: Wycombe aiming to extend a rare cup run, Portsmouth desperate to stay afloat in the Championship. From the first whistle, the home side pressed high, forcing Portsmouth into a rattling defensive shape.
Key Moments and Goal Details
It didn’t take long for the breakthrough. In the 17th minute, Brandon Hanlan latched onto a cross, slipped the ball onto his right foot and curled a low‑driven shot past the Portsmouth keeper. The crowd erupted, and the scoreboard read 1‑0.
Just ten minutes later, a second strike came from Sonny Bradley. A perfectly timed delivery from Luke Leahy found Bradley’s head, sending a thumping header into the net to make it 2‑0 at the break. The goal came after a swift counter‑attack that caught Portsmouth off‑balance, and the Wycombe fans were already chanting for more.
Tactical Shifts and Substitutions
Wycombe’s manager opted for an early goalkeeper swap – Nathan Bishop replaced Shamal George after eight minutes, a move that raised eyebrows but proved harmless as the clean sheet held.
The second half saw a flurry of adjustments. At the interval, Wycombe introduced Andre Dozzell for Robert Atkinson, while Nicolas Schmid came on for Jordan Archer, reinforcing the backline. Portsmouth tried to respond, shuffling Zak Swanson for Jordan Williams in the 62nd minute and bringing on fresh legs like Harry Clout for Paddy Lane in the 76th.
Reactions from Managers and Fans
Richard Thomas, the assistant manager for Wycombe, was quoted after the final whistle: “The guys showed true cup spirit. We knew we could compete, and the fans gave us everything.” Across the tunnel, Portsmouth’s assistant Jon Harley admitted the disappointment: “We were out‑classed in the first half, but we’ll learn from this and bounce back in the league.”
Local supporters described the atmosphere as "electric" – many said the early goals felt like a gift on a cold January night, while some Portsmouth fans left with a sour taste, lamenting missed chances and defensive lapses.
Implications for the Cup Campaign
This victory propels Wycombe into the Fourth Round, where they will face a drawn opponent that could be a Premier League giant or another lower‑league side. The financial boost from a potential giant‑killer tie could be transformative for a club of Wycombe’s size, offering a slice of the £20 million TV‑rights pool.
For Portsmouth, the exit widens the gap between their league ambitions and cup aspirations. Their manager, mindful of a looming relegation battle, now faces a squad that must refocus its energy on the Championship grind.
Looking Ahead to the Fourth Round
The draw for the next round is scheduled for 14 January, with fixtures slated for the weekend of 7‑10 February 2025. Wycombe will likely keep their defensive solidity, perhaps tweaking the midfield to add more creative spark. If they can replicate the sharpness shown by Hanlan and Bradley, a trip to a top‑flight ground is not out of the question.
- Result: Wycombe Wanderers 2‑0 Portsmouth FC
- Goal scorers: Brandon Hanlan (17'), Sonny Bradley (27')
- Venue: Adams Park, Wycombe
- Attendance: 5,240
- Referee: Tom Reeves
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this win affect Wycombe Wanderers' league campaign?
The cup win adds confidence but doesn’t directly alter Wycombe’s League One points tally. However, the extra revenue and morale boost could help the club invest in squad depth, potentially improving their league position as the season progresses.
What were the key tactical changes that led to the victory?
Wycombe’s early goalkeeper swap gave them a more commanding presence in goal. The manager’s half‑time substitutions tightened the defense and added fresh energy to the midfield, while a quick counter‑attack setup allowed Hanlan and Bradley to exploit space behind Portsmouth’s high line.
Which Portsmouth players were most accountable for the defensive lapse?
The central pairing of Jordan Williams and Freddie Potts struggled to cope with Wycombe’s rapid transitions, and the lack of cohesive communication allowed Bradley’s header to slip through. Their replacements later in the game were unable to fully restore stability.
When can fans expect the Fourth‑Round draw?
The draw is set for 14 January 2025, with the Fourth‑Round matches scheduled for the weekend of 7‑10 February 2025. Wycombe’s opponent will be revealed then, and the club will already be planning logistics for a potential trip.
What does this result mean for Portsmouth’s season objectives?
Portsmouth’s early exit narrows their focus solely to the Championship, where they must secure enough points to avoid a relegation battle. The loss may also prompt a reassessment of squad depth and strategy ahead of the congested winter fixture list.
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