Oxford United 1 Wycombe Wanderers 2

Paul Hayes has revealed that Wycombe's table topping battlers were inspired by a trip to the Somme.

Skipper Hayes levelled in the second half before midfielder Peter Murphy nodded the winner to take the Chairboys to the top of League Two.

And Hayes, 31, revealed he and his teammates were taken to the  Footballers’ Battalion Memorial at Longueval by manager Gareth Ainsworth ahead of Remembrance Sunday next weekend.

He explained:

"The gaffer had been there a few years ago. We were there to pay our respects for two days and learn. We definitely did. It was a very humbling experience.

"I must admit I didn't know too much about the sacrifices that were made and neither did many of the others, but we were so moved that when we came back, we started researching the war and the footballers who took part. You wonder whether we would have the bravery these days to do what they did."

Wycombe's squad also laid a poppy tribute at the Thiepval Memorial to former player James McDermott who lost his life at the Battle of the Somme, but whose body was one of over 72,000 never recovered.

And Hayes praised Chairman Andrew Howard for backing Ainsworth. Hayes said:

"Everyone knows how tight finances are at the club at the moment. We only have nineteen players and we'd have to draft in the kit man, tea lady and a couple of others if we wanted to play eleven-side and work on our shape in training, but he paid for our trip out of his own pocket, so full credit to him."

Ainsworth explained:

"I was asked to represent the players at the Footballers' Memorial four years ago and thought that one day I'd like to take my young lad over so he could understand what happened. Then, a few weeks ago, I thought 'hang on, I'm responsible for some other young lads', so we arranged the visit.

“It helped give the players a sense of perspective and a real insight into the heroism of footballers just like themselves who fought and died for their country. It was part of our development for the team and it was great to go over there at a time when they have been performing so well.

“The players really bought into the whole experience and I was a proud man to see the respect, interest and enthusiasm they showed throughout the whole trip.”

Oxford striker Danny Hylton opened the scoring from the spot in the first half, but then shot himself in the foot to gift Wycombe the win by sending an injury time penalty over the bar.

Boss Michael Appleton said:

"When you're top of the league, that's what happens and when you're bottom of the league, that's what happens. Once they got the goal to equalise they were on the front foot."