Wrexham overcame a dogged Burton Albion side reduced to ten men early on, earning a crucial 3-0 victory that strengthened their position in the League One promotion race.
With Wycombe Wanderers slipping up against Reading, the win gives Wrexham a six-point cushion in the battle for automatic promotion. Goals from Steven Fletcher, Sam Smith and Jack Marriott eventually secured the points, but only after a prolonged struggle to break down their resilient visitors.
Burton’s challenge was made even tougher when Charlie Webster was dismissed after just 10 minutes. The midfielder’s tackle on George Dobson left referee Seb Stockbridge with little option, and replays supported the red card decision.
Despite the man disadvantage, Gary Bowyer’s side responded with grit and organisation. Sitting deep, they frustrated Wrexham’s attempts to play between the lines and even threatened a shock lead through Julian Larsson, whose first-half chance forced Arthur Okonkwo into a crucial save.
Second-half substitutions make the difference
Phil Parkinson turned to his bench in the second half, bringing on Elliott Lee and Ryan Barnett to inject pace and urgency into Wrexham’s play. It proved decisive. The deadlock was finally broken in the 71st minute when Smith chased down a long through ball and drew a foul from goalkeeper Max Crocombe inside the area. Fletcher, replacing the injured Jay Rodriguez earlier in the match, stepped up to smash home the penalty.
Three minutes later, Smith went from creator to scorer, slotting calmly past Crocombe after a neat pass from Ryan Longman. The floodgates opened at last, and Marriott added a late third after springing Burton’s tiring backline.
“Fletcher, on for Jay Rodriguez who suffered a first-half injury, made no mistake from the spot with his eighth of the season before Smith doubled the advantage when he slotted home expertly from Ryan Longman’s through pass.”
Burton’s spirited effort wasn’t rewarded, but Bowyer will take positives from their defiance in adversity. They remain in the bottom three with six matches to play and know performances like this could help secure safety.
Wrexham, meanwhile, move into their final five games with belief soaring and the gap to third place now significant. They next face Wigan, while Wycombe will look to respond in their game in hand at Huddersfield.
Site opinion
This wasn’t Wrexham at their most fluent, but it may be one of their most important wins. They were forced to dig deep, stay composed, and ultimately trust their quality would shine through. Fletcher’s penalty opened the door, and from that moment the pressure lifted. With promotion in touching distance, this performance showed they’re learning how to win when the stakes are highest. The fans knew it too—the celebrations at full time said everything. The dream of reaching the Championship is very much alive.
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