Wrexham managed to secure their inaugural win in England‘s second tier in 43 years, achieving a 1-0 triumph over Oxford United on Wednesday despite playing with 10 men.
Having achieved three consecutive promotions to return to the second tier for the first time since 1982, Wrexham had not won any of their opening five Championship matches at SToK Cae Ras.
However, a 14th-minute goal from Nathan Broadhead on Wednesday was sufficient for Phil Parkinson’s team to break their winless streak, even with Callum Doyle receiving a red card midway through the second half.
Wrexham’s win lifted them to 15th position in the Championship.
«There’s been considerable anxiety with new players arriving and not achieving that win,» Parkinson remarked.
«Setting the result aside, we aimed to deliver a performance that mirrors our identity as a group and the essence of the club.
«After the red card, we had to display that tenacity and resolve, which I truly admire. That’s been the hallmark of this team for the past three years and what we stand for.
«I wish we didn’t have to play with 10 men, but when it happens, a response is necessary, and we delivered.»
Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Broadhead scored his fourth goal of the season with a right-foot finish, following a corner and Kieffer Moore’s assist.
Despite their dominance, Wrexham struggled to add more goals in the first half as they aimed to terminate the four-match winless run they brought into the fixture.
The visitors had previously triumphed against Derby — among only three wins in the second tier. Oxford, sitting one point and two places above the relegation zone, began the second half by substituting Will Lankshear for Stan Mills, searching for a swift equalizer.
They certainly created more attacking opportunities, with Will Vaulks shooting over from 20 yards.
Perhaps unexpectedly, Broadhead was involved in Parkinson’s initial substitution as he was replaced by Josh Windass an hour into the match.
Additionally, the Wrexham manager was compelled to make further substitutions following the incident leading to Doyle’s red card for a harsh tackle on Siriki Dembele. Referee Elliot Bell promptly issued the former Manchester City youth player a red card, with minimal objections from home fans.
Former Bolton captain George Thomason was substituted for Lewis Brunt, while Dembele was also replaced by ex-Wrexham loanee Mark Harris.
Oxford only had two touches in the home box during the first half, yet they were making consistent inroads in the second, especially when Lankshear struck the crossbar with a close-range header.
The away side had last-minute appeals for a penalty turned down for a challenge on Cameron Brannagan.
Wrexham then celebrated their lucky escape by creating their best chances of the latter half.
Sam Smith’s left-footed effort was heading towards the top corner until Jamie Cumming diverted it for a corner. Smith subsequently directed a header on goal from the set-piece, but once again Cumming was there to save United.
Suddenly, the match came alive and Arthur Okonkwo was required to make a clever save low down to deny Brian De Keersmaecker and secure the victory.
Information from PA was used in this report.
