Salford City lose late on in blockbuster finish against Wrexham

Salford City were denied a memorable away victory as two late Wrexham goals secured the home side a 3-2 win in League Two.

The Dragons came from 2-0 behind to claim all three points, including two late goals from Steven Fletcher and Jordan Davies.

The Ammies made one change from their victory against Crewe last time out in the league, with Luke Garbutt returning in place of Kelly N’Mai.

It was Salford who came out of the blocks the far better side, controlling the possession in the early exchanges.

This dominance was rewarded 15 minutes in when Matt Smith connected with Stevie Mallan’s swinging cross with the target man getting low and heading powerfully against a helpless Arthur Okonkwo in the Wrexham net.

Fast out of the traps at The Racecourse 😤 pic.twitter.com/7RAyB5eFAE

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) October 14, 2023

Wrexham looked to threaten immediately after, with Paul Mullin outmuscling Adrian Mariappa before putting his effort way over the crossbar.

Declan John made a bursting run down the left wing shortly after, his effort parried by Okonkwo falling neatly to the feet of Matty Lund, who slotted it home and put Salford 2-0 up in 26 minutes.

Wrexham pulled one back at the end of the half, with Elliot Lee arriving at the back post and driving his header from a James McClean corner past Alex Cairns.

The second half began with a chance to restore Salford’s two-goal lead. Luke Bolton surged past Thomas O’Connor and squared it to Mallan, who put his attempt wide, much to the Scot’s dismay.

Thanks to the 6⃣7⃣4⃣ travelling Ammies who joined us at Wrexham today 👏

Safe journeys home ❤️ pic.twitter.com/lRCGbmP5QH

— Salford City FC (@SalfordCityFC) October 14, 2023

Phil Parkinson brought on Steven Fletcher and Jordan Davies, hoping his substitutes could turn the tide.

The Welsh side immediately kicked into gear, dominating the later stages of the game with Salford happy to sit back and defend their lead.

Cairns pulled out a series of heroic saves, denying Aaron Hayden and Davies in quick succession, with Mariappa putting his body on the line to stop Ollie Palmer and Davies once more from levelling the game.

Salford’s defence was finally breached on 87 minutes, with Paul Mullin crossing the ball to the feet of Fletcher, the 36-year old finally beating a superb Cairns.

Moments later the home side put the contest to bed, as Jordan Davies, left unmarked, slotted his effort into the net, sending The Racecourse into delirium.

Matt Smith nearly snatched a late equaliser but it wasn’t to be as Okonkwo clawed it off the line and held it close to see out the game.