HIGH Wycombe came close to staging an upset at high flying Maidenhead last Saturday before a late goal and sending off killed off their hopes as the home side ran out 3-1 winners.

Wycombe, who have been struggling in the South Premier League this season, went into the break just one goal down following a gutsy first half display in Berkshire.

That came, despite the setback of losing skipper Dominic Day before the match even got started. He injured himself in the pre-match warm-up.

But Wycombe managed to have the better of the early exchanges, forcing three penalty corners, none of which they were unable to convert.

They paid for that just before the break when Maidenhead won a corner. Wycombe keeper Ed Taylor saved the initial shot but his side were unable to clear the ball and when it struck a defender on the line, Maidenhead made no mistake in converting the penalty.

Maidenhead doubled their advantage midway through the second half when another poor clearance opened the door for them.

After having a penalty appeal turned down, Wycombe pulled one back when Simon Byrne seized on a Maidenhead moment of indecision to slot the ball past their keeper.

Wycombe looked good to score again, only for Andy Burroughs to be yellow-carded. Maidenhead took advantage of their extra player to hit goal number three from the penalty spot.

The defeat was Wycombe's seventh so far this season in the league.