Jason McCarthy started 2016 in unusual circumstances – ending up in goal for Wycombe Wanderers as they lost 2-0 to Morecambe.
The Saints defender had started the game at right-back for the Chairboys, who fell behind when Shaun Miller scrambled the ball home nine minutes after half time.
Gareth Ainsworth’s side pressed in search of an equaliser, but they came unstuck at the other end when goalkeeper Matt Ingram felled Aaron Wildig in the box.
After Ingram had been sent off McCarthy took the gloves, but the youngster – who guessed the right way – was unable to keep out the resultant spot-kick from Jamie Devitt.
The result leaves Wycombe sixth in League 2 ahead of their big Emirates FA Cup clash with Aston Villa this weekend.
In League 1, Lloyd Isgrove played the full 90 minutes as Barnsley kicked off 2016 with a 2-1 victory against Millwall.
Sam Winnall opened the scoring for the hosts at Oakwell in the 12th minute, before Steve Morison grabbed an equaliser for the Lions just after the hour mark.
But Barnsley were not to be denied a winning start to the year as Adam Hammill finished well six minutes later to ensure the Tykes of all three points.
Jordan Turnbull and Swindon are still waiting for their first game of the New Year after the Robins’ clash with Port Vale was postponed because of a waterlogged pitch.
In the Championship, Sam Gallagher was an unused substitute as MK Dons drew 1-1 away to Leeds, while Jack Stephens was absent from the Middlesbrough squad as they beat Derby County 2-0 at the Riverside.
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