Defensive grit pleases Waddock

Jul 19 2012 By Greg Burns

Gary Waddock

GARY Waddock was encouraged by Wycombe's defensive efforts in their draw at Forest Green last night.

Wanderers leaked close to 100 goals last season and are focusing on becoming more solid ahead of their League Two campaign.

And their hard work on the training ground paid off at the Conference side when a gritty and resolute defensive display earned them a 0-0 draw.

“It was a fantastic work-out and was a proper game,” said Waddock. “Credit to Forest Green because they did it right as well and they are a very good outfit.

“You learn as you go along but the pleasing thing was in the second-half we had a very young back four. We have been working on defensive shape, we kept a clean-sheet against a team who, in my opinion, will do very well next season.

“We have worked hard regarding the shape and, at times, they had possession but we restricted them really and what we have done on the training ground we took into the game tonight.”

Tackles flew in from both sides during the game with Blues skipper Gary Doherty replaced after a clash of heads and Charles Dunne needing stitches on a cut under his right eye.

Waddock said: “It was like a league fixture because they were physical. We have to cope with that and it will put us in good stead and we stood up to it. They (the young players) need that and that is the part of the game that they need to learn.”

But despite their defensive display, Waddock wants to see more from his side going forward after struggling to create many clear cut chances at New Lawn.

He said: “I want it to be better than it was. We worked hard to win the ball back but want us to be even better and there is always room for improvement.”

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