A late Garath McCleary goal gave Wycombe Wanderers a much-needed 2-1 victory as they defeated Mansfield Town.

The week leading up to the Chairboys’ first visit to Field Mill in eight seasons was dominated by the sudden departure of manager Matt Bloomfield, who, alongside assistant boss Richard Thomas, goalkeeper coach Lee Harrison, and analyst Ben Cirne all sensationally left for Luton Town.

Development coach Sam Grace led the Adams Park side out, as he made three changes to the team that lost to Huddersfield Town in the club’s last league outing 11 days prior.

In came Jack Grimmer, Declan Skura and Beryly Lubala, with Joe Low missing out through illness, whilst Tyreeq Bakinson and Dan Udoh dropped to the bench.

The opening 10 minutes were a real dingdong affair as both clubs looked for the opening goal.

For the Stags, Lee Gregory’s header went wide whilst a George Maris header clipped the Wycombe crossbar.

For the visitors, Lubala fired wide, whilst Richard Kone and Dan Harvie also went close.

The first save Scott Flinders had to make was to hold onto a fierce Lubala attempt, as the Congolese forward was carving out several attempts.

The first period ebbed and flowed so goalless at the break was a fair reflection.

However, Wycombe came out all guns blazing in the second half and their persistent pressure paid off as they took the lead on 57 minutes.

Jordan Bowery, once of Aston Villa and Wanderers’ Thames Valley rivals, Oxford United, clipped Lubala in the box, and referee Sam Purkiss had no option but to point to the spot.

Up-stepped Kone who had his penalty saved by Flinders, but the Ivorian was on hand to smash in the rebound and his 17th goal of the season.

However, the lead didn’t last long as two of Mansfield’s subs worked well to get their equaliser 10 minutes later.

Stephen McLaughlin’s cross was brilliantly headed in by Lucas Akins, as his attempt flew over Franco Ravizzoli.

The Argentine keeper was on hand to make an excellent save to deny Will Evans, who had another attempt goal just wide.

This kept Wycombe in the game, as with two minutes remaining, McCleary managed to dribble his way into the box, beating three players, and placing his cool effort underneath Flinders.

It was his third goal of the season, and his first in 2025.

The result, which is Wycombe’s first away at Field Mill in the league since 2015, keeps Wanderers second on 54 points, two points behind league leaders Birmingham City.

Their tally of 52 goals scored in League One this season is the highest for any team in the division so far.

Up next is Northampton Town at home on January 25.

Attendance: 7,459