Wrexham 3-2 Salford City (14 Oct, 2023) Game Analysis

Wrexham again showed their affinity for last-minute drama as they scored two late goals, 54 seconds apart, to claim all three points against Salford City at the SToK Racecourse ground on Saturday.

Jordan Davies’ 89th-minute winner means the side of Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds have scored three or more goals in six of their seven home league matches this season.

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Striker Matt Smith gave Salford a nod after 15 minutes when he was picked out by a perfect cross from Stephen Mallan, diverting the ball beyond Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo.

Smith scored his and Salford’s second goal 20 minutes later when he pounced on a loose ball in the Wrexham box and rolled it into the bottom corner.

Wrexham, who had started the weekend in seventh place, halved the deficit almost instantly when Elliot Lee rose highest to head James McLean’s corner at the far post two minutes after Smith’s goal.

Phil Parkinson’s side thought they should have been awarded a penalty when Paul Mullin was pulled to the ground shortly after half-time, but the referee brushed aside their protests.

Mallan missed a golden opportunity to restore Salford’s two-goal lead in the 56th minute when he was found in space in the penalty area after excellent play down the right channel from Luke Bolton.

The Salford winger skipped an attempted challenge before cutting the ball back for Mallan to strike, but the Salford no.14 fired his effort narrowly wide of the post.

Mullin had the chance to draw Wrexham level with around 20 minutes remaining, but the striker was only able to head McLean’s pinpoint cross over the crossbar.

The Wrexham striker made up for his profligacy minutes later when his cross was bundled over the line by substitute Steven Fletcher.

Just 54 seconds later, Jordan Davies scored the Welsh club’s spectacular winning goal when he lofted an effort beyond Salford goalkeeper Alex Cairns with his left foot from just inside the penalty area .

The home side faced a few nervous moments in second-half stoppage time as they looked to defend their lead, but soon after Okonkwo denied Smith a hat-trick at the 93rd minute, the referee blew the whistle for full time to guarantee another famous match. Wrexham victory.