SBOTOP: Benjamin Lecomte’s Penalty Heroics Seal Fulham’s Escape from Carabao Cup Scare Against Wycombe

When the draw for the third round of the Carabao Cup paired Premier League side Fulham with League One hosts Wycombe Wanderers, few would have predicted just how close this match would become. What was expected to be a straightforward night for the Cottagers turned into a tense, dramatic encounter under the Adams Park floodlights — one that tested Fulham’s resolve, nerve, and character.

In the end, it took a penalty shootout and a string of remarkable saves from goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte to send Fulham through, as Marco Silva’s side narrowly edged Wycombe 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw in regulation time. For the neutral fans, it was a night of exhilarating football; for Fulham supporters, it was a reminder that cup competitions often follow no script.

A Tense Start Under the Lights

Wycombe Wanderers entered the fixture with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd, the Chairboys began the match fearlessly. From the outset, they pressed aggressively, chasing every loose ball, and unsettling Fulham’s rhythm.

Fulham, on the other hand, fielded a rotated side that included several fringe players and academy prospects. Marco Silva’s decision to rest key figures like João Palhinha, Willian, and Andreas Pereira was understandable given the club’s demanding Premier League schedule. But it also meant that the starting lineup lacked the cohesion and sharpness usually associated with Silva’s system.

Wycombe’s early energy paid off. In the 18th minute, winger Garath McCleary broke down the right flank, delivering a teasing cross into the box. Sam Vokes, ever the aerial threat, rose highest to meet it — his powerful header forcing Lecomte into a brilliant diving save. It was a warning shot that set the tone for the night.

Despite Fulham’s superior technical quality, Wycombe’s physicality and intensity kept the visitors on edge. The home crowd sensed it too — every successful tackle, every interception, and every counterattack was met with roars of encouragement.

Fulham Find Their Footing

After weathering the early storm, Fulham gradually grew into the game. Their midfield trio, led by Harrison Reed, began to dictate tempo, while wingers Harry Wilson and Adama Traoré looked to stretch Wycombe’s defense.

In the 34th minute, their persistence paid off. A neat exchange between Wilson and Traoré created space on the right, allowing the former Wolves man to deliver a low cross into the penalty area. Young striker Rodrigo Muniz reacted quickest, sliding the ball past goalkeeper Max Stryjek to give Fulham the lead.

It was a goal born of patience and precision — a reminder of the gulf in class between the two sides. Yet, instead of deflating Wycombe, the goal seemed to ignite them further.

Wycombe’s Relentless Response

Rather than sitting back, Wycombe pushed forward with renewed belief. Manager Matt Bloomfield, himself a product of the club’s resilient spirit, urged his players to keep pressing. His side responded with determination and intensity that belied their League One status.

Just before halftime, Wycombe’s persistence was rewarded. A long throw from Joe Jacobson caused chaos in the Fulham box, and the ball eventually fell to Josh Scowen, who unleashed a low drive through a crowd of players. The shot deflected off Tosin Adarabioyo and wrong-footed Lecomte, nestling into the bottom corner.

Adams Park erupted. The underdogs were level, and the dream of an upset was alive.

The halftime whistle came as a relief for Fulham, who trudged off knowing they were in for a much tougher evening than anticipated. Marco Silva’s expression on the touchline said it all — his team had underestimated the fight Wycombe were bringing.

The Battle Intensifies

The second half began with Fulham attempting to reassert control. They dominated possession, but Wycombe’s organization and discipline frustrated them. Every time Fulham tried to carve out space, Wycombe’s backline closed ranks.

Silva introduced fresh legs in the form of Andreas Pereira and Carlos Vinícius to inject urgency. Pereira’s vision immediately lifted Fulham’s attacking tempo, while Vinícius added a more physical presence up front.

Yet, for all their control, Fulham struggled to find the final touch. In the 64th minute, Pereira’s curling free-kick narrowly missed the top corner. Minutes later, Wilson’s thunderous strike was superbly tipped over by Stryjek.

Wycombe, meanwhile, remained dangerous on the break. McCleary and Vokes continued to combine well, while midfielder Lewis Wing tested Lecomte from distance.

The clock ticked on, tension mounting with every passing minute. Fulham’s Premier League pedigree was being tested not just by Wycombe’s tactical discipline, but by their spirit.

Extra Time Drama Looms

As full time approached, both sides traded half-chances. Fulham’s Bobby Decordova-Reid came close with a glancing header, while Wycombe’s substitute Dale Taylor forced Lecomte into another smart save.

Neither team could find a winner before the referee’s whistle confirmed what the crowd had suspected: penalties would decide this gripping tie.

For Wycombe, it was an opportunity to etch another famous cup night into their history books. For Fulham, it was about survival — avoiding a shock exit that would surely dominate headlines.

The Shootout Lecomte’s Moment of Glory

Penalty shootouts are as much about psychology as they are about precision, and at that moment, the pressure shifted entirely onto Fulham. The Premier League side had everything to lose.

Wycombe went first, with McCleary coolly dispatching his effort into the corner. Fulham’s Wilson replied in kind, sending Stryjek the wrong way. The pattern continued — Vokes, Pereira, Wing, and Vinícius all converted.

At 3–3, the tension reached breaking point. Wycombe’s next taker, Joe Jacobson, struck firmly, but Lecomte guessed correctly, diving low to his right to parry the shot away. It was the moment that would define the night.

Fulham’s Reed stepped up next and calmly placed his effort into the net, giving the visitors the advantage.

Wycombe weren’t done, though. Substitute Taylor restored parity with a nerveless finish. 4–4.

That left Fulham’s final penalty to decide it. Up stepped Adama Traoré — the man known for his blistering pace, not his composure. Yet on this night, he showed both. With a deep breath and a slow run-up, he sent Stryjek the wrong way, sealing Fulham’s 5–4 shootout win.

Lecomte was immediately mobbed by his teammates. His save had spared Fulham from an embarrassing exit and underlined his growing importance to the squad.