Michael Duff’s first game in charge ended with Wycombe taking the three points at home against an in-form Northampton Town.

Fans were hoping for a good first impression from the new man in charge after a poor run of form saw Wycombe win only one out of their previous eight league matches under Mike Dodds, which inevitably led to his dismissal. Appointed on Thursday, Duff only had two days to greet his new squad and get ready for the match, which made some people ask if it was even possible to have a good start with numerous changes happening. However, they were all proven wrong come 5pm today.

Duff opted for a four-at-the-back formation, a change from his usual 5-3-2 which he commonly used at Huddersfield Town, however he did speak about not wanting to make too much change as close as he was to a matchday. It was a strong lineup overall with new signing, Cauley Woodrow leading the line.

From the off, Wycombe looked like an entirely different team, managing to make at least four chances in the first six minutes of the match. The team looked a lot more energetic, with Onyedinma given the freedom to roam, as well as Harvie also pushing high when the blues were in possession.

Less than 20 minutes passed before Wycombe took the lead through Daniel Harvie, with a high ball from Leahy helping the fullback find the net.

But did Wycombe stop there? Definitely not as they continued to put pressure on the Northampton defence, doing well in their efforts to control the pace of the game and not allowing their opponents to see much of the ball. Despite having the same statistics in terms of possession under Mike Dodds, it seemed Wycombe did a lot more with the ball today instead of making unneeded passses at the back, which often lead to a high press causing Wycombe to make mistakes.

The Chairboys continued to attack throughout the first 45 minutes of the match but didn’t find the goal that would have doubled their lead, going into halftime in front.

The second half began, and so did the rain, as it began to pour down for a while. Northampton were the first to attack this time, with Wheatley’s shot off target. Another criticism that fans had with Dodds was that he made substitutions far too late into matches when they were needed a long time before. However, they will not be repeating themselves under Duff as Wycombe’s first was made with just over an hour played: Mullins making way for George Abbott.

Wycombe came close to making it two as Woodrow’s volley was close, but rolled across goal and went out for a corner. Ten minutes later, Bell and Henderson came off for Fink and Boyd-Munce.

Only two minutes later, Abbott scored his first goal for the blues as he did very well to keep the ball despite the press from Northampton’s defence and fired his shot into the bottom corner.

It was very nearly three was Wycombe had about three opportunites in the space of ten seconds which eventually resulted in a corner. Another couple of subs were made, with Onyedinma and Woodrow off for Back and McNeilly. That was pretty much that for the game, as the final whistle was blown shortly after, marking a brilliant start to the Michael Duff era.

Overall, a lot more positive today as Wycombe entered a new era under a new head coach. Hopefully, they kick on and find a run of form after not winning back-to-back league matches since April of this year. It’ll be Carabao Cup action next, with Wanderers away to Wigan on Tuesday. The next League match will be Wimbledon away next Saturday, and it’s all feeling a lot more positive.