Having done so twice before this season, Diedhiou then proved the match-winner as a replacement when blasting an unstoppable right-footed shot past Ryan Allsop from just inside a crowded box with three minutes remaining.

After four defeats in five games, City head coach Dean Holden made two changes, bringing in Tyreeq Bakinson and Antoine Semenyo for Han-Noah Massengo and Taylor Moore.

Wycombe boss Gareth Ainsworth made five changes from the draw with QPR, including returns to the starting line-up for Darius Charles and Curtis Thompson, as his side looked to end a winless streak stretching back to early November.

The visitors made a bright start, with McCleary prominent on their right flank, but throughout the first half struggled to turn possession into decent chances.

Skipper Tomas Kalas was a rock at the back for City, who created the better openings on the break.

McCleary shot over for Wycombe shortly before Martin broke the deadlock, but soon after the opening goal Semenyo and Bakinson had efforts blocked as they looked to increase City's lead.

O'Dowda was giving Wycombe right-back Jack Grimmer the run-around and had a low shot saved after cutting inside from the left.

Martin should have made it 2-0 after 41 minutes when more good work by O'Dowda and a precise through ball put him clear. But the striker went for power, rather than placement, as Allsop advanced off his line and fired over.

The second half began with another great opportunity for the home side to double their lead. A brilliant run and pass from Semenyo set it up, but Nahki Wells shot wide of the far post with only Allsop to beat.

Wycombe capitalised on City's poor finishing when McCleary grabbed the equaliser just four minutes after Mariappa had replaced Zak Vyner.

Ainsworth's team were suddenly looking the more likely winners, reducing their opponents to some desperate defending.

O'Dowda's impressive contribution ended in the 77th minute when he limped off to be replaced by youngster Opi Edwards.

But City still created another clear chance when Semenyo burst clear only to shoot wide from the same position Wells missed from earlier.

It did not matter because 18 minutes after replacing Wells, Diedhiou emerged the hero again.