Wrexham moved into second place in the League One table and just one point behind leaders Birmingham City thanks to a late win over Wigan.
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Wrexham beat Wigan 2-1 at homeTook lead through Ryan BarnettSuper-sub Fletcher grabs late winnerFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
Wrexham found it tough going in a first half devoid of clear-cut chances for either side. Wigan’s pressing made life difficult for the hosts and their best chances came from set-pieces. Both Paul Mullin and James McClean had opportunities but failed to test Sam Tickle in the Wigan goal.
Wigan came out flying after half-time and hit the woodwork within minutes of the restart. Dale Taylor went for goal but was denied by the woodwork, and there was more misery for Wigan as Jensen Weir somehow managed to blaze the follow-up over the bar.
The chance seemed to spark the hosts into life and they took the lead on the hour. A surging run from Ryan Barnett ended with the Wrexham winger firing a left-footed shot past Tickle with the help of a slight deflection. Barnett then produced more danger with a cross for Lewis Brunt that should have made it 2-0 to Wrexham, however, the defender put his effort just over the bar and Wigan escaped.
It looked like being a pivotal moment in the game as the visitors levelled within minutes. Silko Thomas' floated cross in from the left was headed firmly past goalkeeper Mark Howard by Joe Hugill to make it 1-1 in the 79th minute.
Yet there was still time for more drama at the SToK Racecourse as Wrexham grabbed a dramatic late winner through substitute Fletcher. The striker did superbly to control a cross from James McClean and fire home a stoppage-time winner that sends the hosts second.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE MVP
Barnett deserves plenty of credit for his performance but there's no doubt that Fletchertakes all the plaudits after coming off the bench to score a simply brilliant winner for Wrexhamon a day where Phil Parkinson's side looked set to drop costly points in the promotion race. Yet Fletcher's goal ensured they took full advantage of promotion rivals Wycombe and Birmingham dropping points. A simply invaluable contribution from the sub.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSERS
Wrexham made hard work of Wigan on a day when both Mullin and Palmer failed to fire. The duo had sights of goal during the game but never really looked like scoring and it was little surprise to see them both hooked after 70 minutes with Wrexham only holding a narrow advantage. It was a decision that worked out well too for manager Phil Parkinson, as Fletcher arrived to save the day.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Wrexham are back in League One action on New Year's Day with a clash against Barnsley at Oakwell.