Matt Bloomfield lauds Wycombe character after battling back to draw at Exeter

Wycombe manager Matt Bloomfield felt his side did well to escape with a point after fighting back to draw 2-2 at Exeter which ended their run of 11 straight wins.

Exeter stormed into a two-goal lead inside the first 22 minutes with Millenic Alli and Jack McMillan scoring but Joe Low’s header gave Wycombe a route back into the game.

The Chairboys levelled things through Cam Humphreys’ delicious long-range curler and both teams had chances to win an entertaining encounter.

Bloomfield said: “We have to be pleased with a point considering the start we made to the game and the tough moment we had at 2-0 down.

“To show that character and determination to imprint ourselves in the game, I think it could have been more and the winning run could have continued.

“We had some really good chances that didn’t quite go our way. At 2-0 down to show that character and come away with a point, we have to be pleased with that.

“We speak about trust with the players and giving them autonomy to go and deliver performances. In those tough moments you have to live out your values.

“There was always an opportunity for us to imprint ourselves on the game. It wasn’t as if we were getting picked off and dominated, we hadn’t started the game to the level we needed to and usually do.

“We slowly built our way into it and could have had more goals but to come away score two goals and get a point, we have to be pleased with that.”

Exeter boss Gary Caldwell felt it was a point gained despite seeing his side throw away a two-goal lead.

He said: “The start was incredible and it could have been more as we created other good chances.

“Our intent, the way we got after them, the quality in which we played through the thirds, our understanding of how we bounce around their number nine was superb.

“I was a little frustrated we didn’t score more goals in that period but I said to my coaching staff this game isn’t over because this is a really strong Wycombe team.

“You just have to look at the size, the power and quality, so I knew it was still going to be a long 90 minutes and the goal before half-time changes it. Had it been 2-0 I think it would have been a different game.

“But the players were outstanding with the bravery they showed in possession, the effort, the desire out of possession and I thought it was a brilliant game of football.

“Against a team that has won its last 11 games, it has to go down – regardless of how the game went – as a good point and we have to take that performance level and quality to Stockport.”