Wrexham wrapped up 2024 with a thrilling last-minute victory, as Steven Fletcher’s goal clinched a 2-1 win over Wigan Athletic.
The Red Dragons initially led with Ryan Barnett’s deflected shot in the second half of the intense match at the Racecourse Ground on Sunday. Wigan seemed poised to split the points when Joe Hugill, on loan from Manchester United, nodded in an equalizer with about ten minutes to go.
However, ex-Premier League player Fletcher had other plans, netting the winner during added time and propelling Wrexham to second place in League One. This marks back-to-back home games where Fletcher has been the hero for Phil Parkinson’s team, following his late penalty that secured a Boxing Day triumph against Blackpool.
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Post-match, Parkinson praised his squad’s resilience, likening their knack for late goals to Manchester United’s era under Sir Alex Ferguson. He told reporters: “In terms of sticking to the job and showing character, strength and personality, I think all that was high. It’s difficult to keep producing performances.”
“If you look at the other results around the country, Birmingham and Huddersfield failed to get back-to-back wins at home so it’s an amazing win for us against a good team,” reports Wales Online. He continued: “The mentality of the group is so strong, and it showed again today.”
“I was watching the Sir Alex documentary yesterday, and Manchester United go right to the wire. We’ve got that mentality here – we go to the end. We always believe we can get a goal and Fletch has produced a real quality strike for us to win the game.”
Wrexham have climbed back into the automatic promotion spots after favorable outcomes from other matches yesterday. Head coach Parkinson credits the strong bond between the team and its fans for this achievement.
He said: “The crowd were great again. They lifted us right to the end, and that’s so important. This club is about togetherness and it’s as simple as that. That’s what’s brought us our success over the last few years.”
“It’s about the passion, the togetherness of the players in the team and the ones not in the team. Every member of staff and every supporter who comes into the ground has got to play their part, and they really helped the lads today.”
Looking ahead, with Wrexham on track for a third consecutive promotion by 2025, Parkinson is pleased with his squad’s performance in League One and anticipates an even stronger second half of the season, especially as key players like Arthur Okonkwo and Jack Marriott are close to returning from injuries.
He said: “We’ve got to be pleased with the league position and there’s more to come, I do believe that. We’ve got Arthur ready to start training harder in the next few days and Jack Marriott’s back on the grass.”
“We’re pleased, and we’re going to keep working, keep our feet firmly on the ground and make sure the preparation is as professional as it can be for each and every game.”
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