Wycombe Wanderers dominate Portsmouth in first home pre-season friendly
Wycombe Wanderers began their pre-season campaign in style, beating Championship side Portsmouth 3-1 at Adams Park on Sunday. The Chairboys’ first home friendly in front of fans for two years started with a bang, as Ewan Henderson fired home inside two minutes. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 11th in League One, 63 pts, 17W-12D-17L from 46 games, recent form WLLDL.
What happened at Adams Park?
The opening goal set the tone. Dan Harvie raced down the right before feeding Fred Onyedimna, who squared for Henderson to slot past Nicolas Schmid. Portsmouth barely threatened in the first half, with Aaron Morley’s effort blocked and Silko Thomas’s strike saved. Then, inside two minutes of the second period, substitute Micah Olabiyi carved out a chance for Cauley Woodrow to double the lead. Woodrow nearly made it three moments later, only for Schmid to palm away a long-range effort.
The third arrived on 70 minutes. Olabiyi, fresh from his first pro deal, curled a brilliant shot into the top corner after Jamie Mullins’ cross found him. Conor Hazard kept his clean sheet intact with a last-ditch save against Josh Knight, but Thomas Waddingham headed home in stoppage time to spoil the shutout.
Why it matters for Wycombe Wanderers
This was a statement pre-season win against a Championship side. The goals flowed early, the shape looked solid, and the bench added quality. Silko Thomas, just arrived from Leicester, got minutes, while Olabiyi’s cameo showcased the club’s youth development. The performance underlined why Wycombe sit 11th in League One with 63 points from last season’s 46-game campaign.
The clean sheet nearly held, but the bigger picture is positive. The Chairboys have now played two pre-season fixtures, including a 3-2 behind-closed-doors win over Yeovil Town’s XI at Marlow Road. Goals this season already stand at 69 scored, 58 conceded, a +11 goal difference that reflects a balanced attack and defense in these friendlies.
What comes next for the Chairboys?
Wycombe’s pre-season rolls on. The focus shifts to fine-tuning ahead of the League One opener. The squad’s blend of experience and youth will be tested again, with Henderson, Woodrow, and Olabiyi among those pushing for starting roles. The club’s first competitive fixture looms, and this win sends a clear message: the Buckinghamshire side is ready to fight for consistency in League One after finishing 11th last time out.
