A first half goal from Joel Grant proved decisive as United slumped to defeat that means Chris Wilder’s side have gained just one point from the past five matches. Jon-Paul Pittman struck a post, but goalkeeper Matt Ingram was largely untroubled as the Chairboys collected the points.

United started in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Tom Craddock and Pittman occupying the wide berths, with Alfie Potter playing behind James Constable. Michael Duberry replaced the suspended Michael Raynes.

United started brightly but fell behind with the first effort of note. Grant collected the ball on the edge of box and skipped past Andy Whing and Jake Wright before drilling a low effort beyond Luke McCormick into the far corner.

The hosts could have struck back immediately as Tom Craddock headed a deep cross over the crossbar, while Stuart Lewis forced McCormick to palm his placed effort wide of the post.

Pittman looked lively and could have built on his goal last week midway through the half. The former Wycombe striker wriggled free in the area, but his effort cannoned back off the post with Ingram stranded.

The game may have lacked quality, but remained competitive as both sides saw players receive treatment in a bruising encounter.

Andy Whing prodded wide after good work from Damien Batt, but the half was typical of recent United home efforts.

As attention was diverted towards Aintree (my horse from the sweep was the first to fall to compound the misery), both sides missed glorious chances to add to the scoring. Jo Kuffour broke free to see his shot blocked by McCormick, before Potter and Constable combined brilliantly, only for the former to shoot tamely into Ingram’s arms.

Pittman turned the ball acrobatically over the bar moments later, in what turned out to be United’s last threatening effort.

Deane Smalley and Josh Parker entered the fray for the unhappy Craddock and the injured Constable, but the hosts were unable to build any pressure of note.

Dave Winfield thumped a header over the bar from a corner, before Kuffour again failed to beat McCormick in a one on one after Batt’s weak pass.

The latter stages were as much about the action off the field as on it, with ‘Wilder Out’ messages displayed in the North Stand. A dark day for bed sheets.

The football drifted to a miserable conclusion as the delighted Wycombe fans celebrated in the sunshine and United fans were left to reflect on another frustrating day.

Attendance: 6, 777