Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was delighted to see his side boost both their promotion push and goal difference with a 3-0 victory over Burton in front of watching owner Ryan Reynolds.
Second-half goals from Steven Fletcher, Sam Smith and Jack Marriott earned Wrexham the spoils against a Burton side that had lost Charlie Webster to a red card after just 10 minutes.
Victory sees Wrexham move six points clear of third-placed Wycombe in the race for automatic promotion from League One after the Chairboys lost 1-0 at Reading on Saturday.
Wycombe still boast a game in hand but Wrexham’s fate is in their own hands as they look to win promotion for a third successive season under Hollywood owners Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
“Like I said before the game, our job was to win today. Nothing that could happen would change our mindset going into the game,” said Parkinson.
“Goal difference is key, and it could come down to that, so we are pleased that we have got three goals.
“We would obviously like more, but we will take three and a clean sheet.
“Ryan (Reynolds) came in to see the lads before the game and that was great for us to see how much he is behind everybody.
“I am just pleased that he has managed to see a victory today.”
Fletcher was introduced in the first half following an injury to Jay Rodriguez and it was the veteran forward who finally managed to end Burton’s resistance when he slotted home a 71st-minute penalty.
That was Fletcher’s first goal in seven games and the 38-year-old came close to adding a second late on with a long-range effort.
Parkinson said: “I was pleased for Fletcher, he had a few near moments. Not missed chances, but the defence just nudged things off him.
“There have been three or four of those games that have happened recently, and we had a chat yesterday about the moment would come for him.
“He is such a great player, and there are not many players that you would want in that situation when there is a pressured moment to take that penalty.”
Burton’s defeat means they remain in the relegation zone and, although they played most of the match with a player less, boss Gary Bowyer felt they contributed to their own downfall.
He said: “I think if you look at how many saves Max Crocombe had to make when you are down to 10 men and how obviously how much we got dominated.
“The manner of all three goals is disappointing, really disappointing. It is most probably the worst three goals we have conceded since I have been here.
“I have not been able to see (the red card) as it was the other side for me, but it has changed the game.
“I thought Rumarn Burrell was terrific on his own, and I am delighted that big Jason Sraha got 90 minutes under his belt.
“The way they stepped up for a good hour and took responsibility was brilliant. But when the goals started going in if I am brutally honest, I was disappointed with one or two.
“The manner of all three goals has disappointed me today, and there have not been many times when I have had to say that since I came here.”
[(Shimizu S-Pulse) Weakness]: 1. Shimizu S-Pulse are 13th in the J1 League table. Facing 2nd-placed Kashima Antlers, they will find it hard to win this match due to their declining form, indicating doubtful motivation.2. Shimizu S-Pulse defender Yuji Takahashi and forward Sena Saito will miss this league game due to injuries.3. Shimizu S-Pulse were winless with 2 draws and 3 losses in the last 5 g...
Liverpool table fresh Guehi bidAccording to The Athletic, Liverpool have submitted a fresh bid worth £35 million ($47m) to sign Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace. The Reds had earlier seen two bids rejected by the Eagles, but they remain hopeful that this time the offer will be accepted.Fenerbahce eyeing move for EdersonTurkish Super Lig giants Fenerbahce are eyeing a move for out-of-favour Manc...
Roma medical for Liverpool fullback TsimikasAS Roma are holding a medical for Kostas Tsimikas today.The Liverpool fullback is leaving Anfield after finding himself third-choice this season behind fellow left-backs Andrew Robertson and Milos Kerkez.La Gazzetta dello Sport says the Greece international is expected in Italy today to finalise his move.Tsimikas will undergo a medical ahead of signing a...
FBL-ENG-PR-CHELSEA-FULHAMMarco Silva has demanded an explanation from the Premier League after lambasting three "shocking" refereeing decisions in Fulham's 2-0 Premier League loss at Chelsea.WHAT HAPPENED?The Whites thought they had taken the lead against their west London rivals Chelsea when 18-year-old Josh King coolly slotted past Robert Sanchez. However, the goal was chalked off by referee Rob...
[(Shonan Bellmare) Strength]: 1. Shonan Bellmare are one of the bottom teams in the table, taking 25 points and being in the relegation zone. They are strongly motivated to grab points.[(Shonan Bellmare) Neutral]: 1. Shonan Bellmare drew the last 4 home games, revealing mediocre home performances.[(Shonan Bellmare) Weakness]: 1. Shonan Bellmare lost 1-0 to Fagiano Okayama on the road in the last g...
Manchester United Training Session And Press Conference - UEFA Europa League Final 2025Chelsea have completed the signing of Alejandro Garnacho from Manchester United.WHAT HAPPENED?Garnacho has signed a seven-year contract with the Blues after the two Premier League clubs agreed a deal worth a fixed £40 million fee ($54m) with a 10 per cent sell-on clause, Goal understands. The 21-year-old ha...
Marc Guehi Crystal Palace 2025-26Liverpool have launched a fresh bid for Marc Guehi as they hope that Crystal Palace will finally accept their proposal and agree to sell their star defender before the summer transfer window closes on Monday. The Reds have been linked with a move for the England international throughout the summer and the champions are determined to secure his signature.WHAT HAPPEN...
West Ham United v Lille OSC - Pre-Season FriendlyAston Villa are close to signing West Ham United midfielder Lucas Paqueta on an initial loan with an obligation to buy next summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Villa are on the brink of agreeing a £47 million (€54m/$63m) package for Paqueta which includes a loan fee and add-ons, according to Fabrizio Romano. The report also states the 28-year-old has ac...
[(Nagoya Grampus) Strength]: 1. Nagoya Grampus currently have only 28 points and are near the bottom of the league table. To avoid relegation, they need to earn points.[(Nagoya Grampus) Neutral]: 1. Nagoya Grampus' 7 successive games ended with OVER.[(Nagoya Grampus) Weakness]: 1. Nagoya Grampus lost 2-4 to Sanfrecce Hiroshima in their last Emperor's Cup game, with poor performance.2. In the lates...
Cody Gakpo Liverpool 2025Premier League champions Liverpool have confirmed that star attacker Cody Gakpo has put pen to paper on a new long-term contract, which has extended his stay at Anfield beyond 2028. The Dutchman who joined the club in January 2023, during the Jurgen Klopp era, has established himself as a regular starter under new boss Arne Slot and has now committed his future to the Reds...
