Wycombe Wanderers captain Jack Grimmer has praised the attitude of the existing Aaron Morley after the latter scored an injury-time winner against Exeter City to send the Chairboys top of the League One table.

Morley, who joined on loan from Bolton Wanderers in August, stepped up to take a penalty in the 94th minute of the club’s New Year’s Day clash against the Grecians with the score at 1-1.

Referee Scott Simpson awarded the spot-kick after Ed Francis handled the ball following a coming together with Cameron Humphreys.

Striker Beryly Lubala and midfielder Luke Leahy had been on penalty duty for the match but had both been substituted at the time the kick was given.

This allowed Morley to score his first Adams Park by smashing it in the bottom right-hand corner of Joe Whitworth’s goal, but it sent Wanderers top of the table as they reached 50 points for the season.

It was confirmed at full-time that he will return to Bolton, but it is hoped that the two clubs will agree on a deal before the January Transfer Window concludes.

In the match against Exeter, Luke Leahy put Wycombe ahead with a deflected free-kick on 65 minutes, before Tristan Crana equalised with five minutes left.

Speaking after the match, Grimmer, who penned a new two-year deal one day prior, said: “The first-half looked like two teams that were coming off the back of a business schedule as there were a few leggy performances, but these are the sweet ones to win.

“The game could have gone either way and I’m gutted (that we conceded), as I’d rather have a 1-0 than a 2-1, but to concede in the 85th minute and still win, shows the character of the side.

“To get the rewards for that was extra sweet as we wanted to start the New Year well, and off the back of a defeat, we wanted to get the win.

"Exeter are a good side.

"They passed the ball well and kept the ball well, but didn’t really have that punch up front.

“When Luke stepped up with his free-kick, I thought that would have been enough [to win], as we had been quite solid.

“And very unlike us, we conceded from a corner which we haven’t done much of this season.”

On Morley, Grimmer added: “You start to think that it’s going to be one of those games, but Cam’s bit of magic wins us a penalty and Azz steps up to score it.

“If it’s to be his farewell to us, then it’s a massive pressure penalty.

“He hadn’t taken a penalty for us as we have had a host of players take them, and to step up, take it, and score, knowing he’s going back to Bolton was incredible.

“He’ll be a big miss for any changing room, but we have to keep going.”