Mike Dodds disappointed not to win first league match in charge of Wycombe

Feb 15, 2025 2 min read
Mike Dodds (Mike Egerton/PA)
Mike Dodds (Mike Egerton/PA)

Mike Dodds admitted a “level of disappointment” at not winning his first league match in charge of Wycombe as the second-placed Chairboys drew 1-1 at relegation-threatened Crawley.

Head coach Dodds, who suffered defeat on penalties in the FA Cup at Preston in his opening game last week, felt his men needed more control.

Forward Will Swan gave the Red Devils a flying start after only five minutes, their quickest goal of the season, before Wycombe hit back to equalise through Daniel Udoh.

Dodds said: “There is a level of disappointment as we know what the objective is, but this might be a big point come the end of the season.

“We could have had more control in the game as it was fast and frantic, but Crawley is never an easy place to come. Wrexham won there with a last-minute goal and Birmingham’s winner was a late one as well.

“Crawley are scrapping and fighting for their lives to stay in the league and these games are really difficult.”

Wycombe host Bristol Rovers on Tuesday, and Dodds added: “We’ll be chasing the win. It’s not about me, it’s about helping the group finish off what has been a positive season.”

Six of Crawley’s remaining nine home games are against sides currently in the bottom nine, and boss Rob Elliot believes their run of home matches could be vital.

Crawley are currently three points from safety and Elliot said: “We are in a run of home games now and this was a good start against a team second in the league with the second-best defensive record.

“We are all about results at this stage and we are looking for wins, but I’m happy with this point.

“There are a few issues in the squad with injuries, but we are overcoming them.

“We were against a quality side and they scared us a couple of times as well as being difficult to break down.”

Elliot had special praise for former Mansfield striker Swan, who put them ahead by curling in a shot with the outside of his right foot after a one-two with Max Anderson.

He added: “We got a really fantastic goal – it was top quality stuff and man for man I can’t fault any of the lads.”

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