A STRIKING crisis and a woeful scoring record on their travels is hampering the promotion ambitions of Wycombe Wanderers.

Town's visitors lie sixth in the table, but they have only managed a paltry three goals away from Adams Park.

Wycombe's only other away goals came in a 2-1 success at Millwall back in August and a 1-0 win at Port Vale.

Record signing Sean Devine is out for the entire season and manager Lawrie Sanchez is also without the services of Andy Baird and Paul Emblen.

Andy Rammell's arrival from Walsall has brought a badly-needed injection of goals.

The former Barnsley man was on target in last week's 2-1 home defeat by Bristol City. The Blues had countless chances but were unable to make them count.

This has been the story of the season, with Wycombe more than matching their opponents but being punished for inadequacies in front of goal.

Sanchez, who will always be remembered for heading Wimbledon's FA Cup winner in 1988 and was also at Swindon briefly, under John Gorman, said: "The one thing I can't fault them for is effort. In my time here they've given me everything they've got."

Town's defenders are likely to face Jermaine McSporran, a striker watched but ultimately rejected by former boss Jim Quinn.

Town's loss was Wycombe's gain as the striker quickly became a hit at Adams Park, gaining national headlines after netting twice against Wolves in last season's Worthington Cup.

Canadian international Niall Thompson has arrived on loan but he did not figure in the defeat by Bristol City.

While goalscoring remains a worry, the Adams Park club boasts plenty of midfield menace.

Dannie Bulman is seen as a real star of the future. The 21-year-old is Wycombe's ball-winner. He was spotted by former Wycombe boss, and now Aston Villa supremo, John Gregory.

He made a scoring debut against Bristol Rovers two years ago and was a valuable member of last season's squad.

Steve Brown is another important member of the Wycombe midfield. The former Northampton Town skipper arrived at Adams Park in 1994 and is approaching 300 appearances for Wycombe.

The manager retains his Wimbledon link in the shape of Stuart Castledine. The ex-Dons frontman arrived at Adams Park in the summer to link up with Sanchez once again.

While Wycombe look to find a way past Bart Griemink, Town will be hoping former Derby keeper Martin Taylor has an 'off day'. Town fans will remember how Taylor thwarted Swindon during a League Cup clash between the two teams.

In defence, Wycombe are likely to field Jason Cousins at right back. The left back slot will probably be filled by Chris Vinnicombe.

After starting at Exeter City, he later donned the shirts of Glasgow Rangers and Burnley respectively.

While Wycombe have yet to establish any consistency in the league, they enjoyed a real battle with Birmingham City in the second round of the Worthington Cup.

The Second Division side eventually bowed out 5-3 on aggregate but gave Brum quite a game in the first leg at Adams Park.

Goals from Rammell, Baird and Bates were not quite enough to prevent a 4-3 defeat.

Town have suddenly found their scoring touch and must be hoping Wycombe's travel sickness continues.