Sammie Szmodics notched a brace as Blackburn came from behind to see off Sky Bet League Two high-flyers Wrexham 4-1 at Ewood Park and set up an FA Cup fifth-round clash at the same venue with Newcastle.
The visitors, who won at Coventry and drew with Sheffield United in last season’s competition, were on for an upset when Andy Cannon put them in front in the 19th minute, bringing a huge roar from the 7,000-plus away fans who had made the trip.
But Blackburn responded in ruthless fashion with goals in quick succession from Szmodics and Sam Gallagher just past the half-hour mark to turn things around.
Szmodics, the Championship’s leading scorer this term with 16 goals who had bagged a hat-trick in the 5-2 third-round victory over Cambridge, then scored his second of the night just prior to the interval before Sondre Tronstad wrapped things up in the second half.
Securing cup progress was a welcome boost for former Newcastle forward Jon Dahl Tomasson’s men, who are currently 18th in the second tier and winless in their last seven league games.
Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham, second in League Two, return to their quest to make it back-to-back promotions in their high-profile resurgence under the ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Szmodics had a good chance to put Blackburn ahead in the third minute but put his shot wide and moments later sent the ball past goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo from the right side of the box, but Wrexham skipper Ben Tozer was on hand to clear.
A couple of further efforts for the hosts from Jake Garrett followed before Wrexham began to exert some pressure, with Aynsley Pears gathering a Sam Dalby header and a Paul Mullin free-kick.
Soon after, there was jubilation in the vociferous away section as Red Dragons grabbed the lead when Cannon collected the ball from Dalby and fired past Pears.
And they went close to swiftly adding another as Pears parried Cannon’s drive, then did superbly to tip over James McClean’s follow-up attempt.
Having been rocked, Blackburn hit back with an equaliser in the 32nd minute, Szmodics slotting in from Gallagher’s cutback.
And two minutes after that they were in front as a miscalculation by Okonkwo was punished, the goalkeeper opting to race out of his area as Tozer was beaten by Gallagher, who was left with a simple task to slot into the net.
The hosts then extended their advantage in first-half stoppage time as Szmodics controlled Tronstad’s pass and stroked home, putting a finger to his lips as he celebrated in front of the away fans.
Tronstad added a goal of his own just before the hour mark when Gallagher attempted to shoot, the ball came to the Norwegian and his shot went in via a deflection off Elliot Lee.
With the game looking very much up for Wrexham, Lee subsequently tried his luck with a attempt from inside his own half that dropped wide, and substitute James Jones had a low shot saved.
Szmodics had a chance to complete another treble in the closing stages, but saw his strike saved by Okonkwo.
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Man United are monitoring Nicolas Jackson Arsenal & Sporting CP now Mbeumo waiting for Manchester United to agree on the transfer fee with Brentford. lol CUCURELLA Trophy won by London Clubs this season Joao Pedro replies to an Arsenal fan who asked him to come to Arsena! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, o...
The 22-year-old struggled for regular game time at Liverpool last season, and they are prepared to provide him with an exit route. The Englishman was outstanding during the under-21 Euros earlier this summer, and he was one of the best players in the tournament.He needs to play regularly to fulfil his tremendous potential. Staying at Liverpool might be detrimental to his development. It remains to...
The Premier League champions made their first move to sign the Sweden international from Newcastle United this week and are prepared to smash the British transfer record again to bring him to Anfield.Liverpool have already signed Florian Wirtz for a record £116million from Bayer Leverkusen and their huge spending is showing no signs of slowing with the club set to reach out to Rodrygo to disc...
According to a report from Argentine publication TYC Sports, the two clubs are currently in talks to get the deal done. It remains to be seen whether they can finalise an agreement quickly. The report claims that Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has personally requested the club to sign the World Cup winner. Aston Villa are also looking at alternatives. Meanwhile, Chelsea are keen on Martine...
Galatasaray in 'cold war' with Napoli over Osimhen transferGalatasaray are reportedly locked in a transfer 'cold war' with Napoli over signing Victor Osimhen permanently.Villa's Jackson pursuit would 'trigger' Chelsea bid for RogersAston Villa's reported pursuit of Nicolas Jackson would 'immediately trigger' Chelsea making a counter offer for Morgan Rogers.Man Utd eye Garnacho-Jackson swap dealMan...
Jude Bellingham Real Madrid 2025 FIFA Club World CupJude Bellingham has taken a decisive step in his ongoing battle with a shoulder injury by undergoing surgery to correct a recurring dislocation. The Real Madrid midfielder had been dealing with the issue since late 2023, often seen with heavy strapping on his shoulder as he played through discomfort.WHAT HAPPENED?According to medical assessments,...
Mourinho DuranFenerbahce have responded to claims that Jose Mourinho has already fallen out with 'disrespectful' new signing Jhon Duran on day one of pre-season.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Spanish publication Marca, Mourinho gave an angry interview to reporters after Duran was absent for the first day of Fenerbahce's pre-season following his loan move from Al-Nassr. The Spanish outlet attributed qu...
Real Madrid CF v Girona FC - LaLiga EA SportsRodrygo could be the beneficiary amid Vinicius Jr.'s contract standoff with Real Madrid, as the club could consider selling the No.7 this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Tensions are rising at Real Madrid as Vinicius Jr. pushes for a significant pay raise and a hefty renewal bonus that could exceed the club’s wage ceiling. His demands come amid the arrival o...
Kylian Mbappe Real Madrid 2025Kylian Mbappe has marked the first anniversary of his arrival at Real Madrid with a heartfelt message to the club, expressing appreciation for the continued support since his unveiling at the Santiago Bernabeu. The French superstar completed his long-awaited free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain last summer and made an immediate impact in Spain.Kylian Mbappe Real Mad...
Manchester United v Liverpool - Premier LeagueFenerbahce are reportedly prepared to wait on Marcus Rashford despite the Manchester United outcast setting his sights on a Barcelona move.WHAT HAPPENED?According to Turkish outlet Hurriyet, via Sport Witness, Fenerbahce manager and ex-United boss Jose Mourinho is keen on being reunited with Rashford. Although the 27-year-old is eyeing a Barcelona swit...
- 1 FIFA Club World Cup 2025: Fixture schedule, group standings, knockout round, tickets, format & everything you need to know
- 2 Brooklyn Beckham's ex inspires Palmer as Chelsea crush PSG
- 3 Spurs get huge lift in Morgan Gibbs-White row
- 4 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 5 Rashford becomes new club's 'priority target'
- 6 Meet Christian Norgaard's gorgeous wife
- 7 Noni Madueke parties at Wireless with Jadon Sancho
- 8 Chelsea's wage offer to Jadon Sancho revealed
- 9 Xabi Alonso sends warning to Real Madrid stars after PSG thrashing
- 10 Erling Haaland rides banana boat on Ibiza holiday