Wycombe’s joint interim boss Sam Grace celebrated a “massive group effort” after the managerless League One title hopefuls snatched a dramatic 2-1 win at Mansfield.
Chairboys development coaches Grace, Harry Hudson, Matty Dye and Jerome John have been put in charge pending the appointment of a replacement for Matt Bloomfield, who left for Luton Town this week.
Bloomfield’s departure may have knocked preparations for this match but Wycombe dug deep to snatch the points thanks to substitute Garath McCleary’s 87th-minute winner.
Grace said: “The boys were fantastic.
“It was a massive group effort today from the staff and everyone involved – the coaches, the analyst, and the players.
“That was not an easy game today.
“I am really pleased for the group and I couldn’t wish anything more for such a great bunch of lads.
“This is a real united group and they are in it together.
“It is their aim to get promotion. I am just in charge today to help them do that.
“Eight minutes went up at the end which I think is a legacy of being a Wycombe team – we don’t know where he got eight from.
“But when the final whistle came you are hit from all sides with the excitement and joy released in that minute.”
Mansfield came close to taking an early lead when George Maris headed an Hiram Boateng free-kick against the Wycombe bar after just six minutes.
But the visitors went up a gear and Scott Flinders had to save Beryly Lubala’s fierce, angled drive before Wycombe took the lead in the 57th minute after Jordan Bowery fouled Lubala in the box.
Richard Kone saw Flinders save his penalty but was alert to net the follow-up.
Stags threw on striker Lucas Akins after 66 minutes and two minutes later he headed an equaliser from a fine Stephen McLaughlin cross and Will Evans had two chances in six minutes to try and win it for the hosts late on.
But Franco Ravizzoli saved from his 80th-minute header and then Evans stabbed a first time finish wide with only the keeper to beat.
Instead, it was Wycombe who fashioned a winner, with McCleary cutting in from the right and managing to force the ball home from 10 yards.
Stags boss Nigel Clough said: “We feel hard done by without a doubt.
“I thought we started the game really well, then they got on top a bit so we changed back to our normal shape.
“We still had a few good situations and they did as well.
“It was much more even in the second half – we went toe to toe with them all over the pitch.
“We had to get closer to them to try to stop them playing.
“Unfortunately we just came out on the wrong end of it and feel a bit aggrieved over some of the decisions again today, similar to Tuesday against Wigan.
“We were an inch away from taking the lead with the header against the bar. It just isn’t quite running for us at the moment – that is the difference.
“They have some strong, powerful players and there is a reason they are up there.”
