Sam Smith stole the show as Wrexham leapfrogged Wycombe into second place in a tight League One clash.
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Wrexham beat Wycombe 1-0Smith scored the winner late in the final quarterRed Dragons move to second spot in the standingsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
Phil Parkinson wanted a reaction from his men following a 2-0 defeat to Reading midweek but after a lacklustre first-half display on Saturday, the manager fumingly raced down the tunnel to the dressing room. Wrexham looked clueless in attack, managed just one shot on target and had a passing accuracy of just 62 percent in the first 45 minutes.
Parkinson packed his midfield to win the battle at the centre of the park, but little did that trouble Wycombe. They looked threatening going forward and the Red Dragons had to keep it tight at the back to keep the match goalless at half-time. It was not until the 60th minute that Parkinson's men got a clear sight at goal but Smith was denied by the woodwork. The match was clamouring for fresh legs and Parkinson introduced Steven Fletcher and Elliot Lee to turn up the heat.
The changes did the trick as it was Fletcher who set up Smith in the 78th minute for the opener. The header fell kindly for the striker and Smith volleyed a shot into the roof of the net to send the 1800-strong Wrexham support into a frenzy. The goal could have massive significance on the final standings as by virtue of the victory, Wrexham moved to the second spot ahead of Wycombe – albeit having played a match more.
AdvertisementMATCH SUSPENDED DUE TO MEDICAL EMERGENCY
The match had to be suspended for almost 45 minutes due to a medical emergency in the Wrexham stand. The medics were prompt to attend the person and after providing immediate treatment, the person was taken away to a hospital for further tests.
GettyTHE MVP
Smith emerged as the difference maker between the two sides with a clinical finish and he was undoubtedly the MVP of the match. The striker could have even bagged a brace but for the woodwork.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
While Smith put in an impressive shift at Adams Park, his strike partner, Jay Rodriguez had another afternoon to forget. After joining from Burnley in the winter transfer window, the striker is yet to find the net and the pressure continues to build. He was struggling to get involved in the match and Parkinson had to take him off in the 70th minute, putting an end to another frustrating afternoon in front of goal.