Wrexham secures first League Two victory since return
Wrexham AFC notched their first League Two victory since their return to the EFL, defeating Walsall 4-2 at the STōK Cae Ras. Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
Wrexham AFC notched their first League Two victory since their return to the EFL, defeating Walsall 4-2 at the STōK Cae Ras.
This victory comes on the heels of a 5-3 loss in their opener to MK Dons at home and a subsequent 1-1 draw against AFC Wimbledon in London.
Will Boyle, Ollie Palmer, Jake Bickerstaff, and Elliot Lee found the net for Wrexham, setting the pace for what was a memorable night under the floodlights.
Phil Parkinson, Wrexham’s manager, made adjustments to the lineup that squared off against AFC Wimbledon, with four changes to the starting eleven.
Within the first 5 minutes, Elliot Lee nearly opened the scoring, forcing Walsall’s Owen Evans into a critical save.
Eight minutes in, the deadlock was broken. A pinpoint delivery from Luke Young was met by the head of Boyle, who executed a finely weighted header over Evans, marking his first goal for the Red Dragons.
The hosts' momentum continued, and their lead was soon doubled. A misjudged clearance from Walsall’s keeper presented Palmer with an opportunity which he grasped expertly, launching a lobbed shot from distance for his season’s first goal.
However, Walsall showed resilience, reducing the deficit just minutes later when Chris Hussey capitalized on a corner.
The first half ended with Wrexham maintaining their lead.
Post interval, Walsall sought an equalizer with intent. They came close when Ryan Stirk's long-range volley struck the woodwork, but it was Wrexham who furthered their advantage.
Bickerstaff, combining with Jacob Mendy, placed a low drive into the Walsall net.
As the match neared its conclusion, Lee compounded Walsall's troubles with a fourth goal for Wrexham, precisely placing his shot from the edge of the area.
Though Walsall managed to pull one back in injury time via substitute Aramide Oteh, it was Wrexham’s evening, marking their first league win in their third match since their EFL return.
Wrexham will now face Swindon Town on Saturday whilst Walsall travel to face Crewe Alexandra.
