Wrexham improved their chances of progressing into the Championship play-offs with a 2-0 win over Welsh rivals Swansea.
In front of Rob Mack and Ryan Reynolds, who were co-commentators for Sky Sports with David Prutton at the Racecourse Grounds, Wrexham secured a six-point cushion inside the top six heading into this weekend’s Championship race.
However, Swansea were better in the first half and should have taken the lead. Gonzalo Franco had a good chance within the first 40 seconds, but when the opportunity opened he fired straight at Arthur Okonkwo.
However, the visitors’ best chance came from league leading scorer Zan Vupovnik, who was put through by Franco but could only manage a one-on-one shot with the Wrexham goalkeeper.
The missed chance proved decisive as Nathan Broadhead put the hosts ahead moments later after receiving a great pass from Callum Doyle inside the penalty area.
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Nathan Broadhead scores from a great pass to give Wrexham the lead against Swansea
Wrexham should have doubled their lead with the last kick of the first half when Doyle converted a late corner from close range, but Swansea hit back in the second period.
They made a strong case for a penalty when Franco went down under a clumsy challenge from Don Hayam, but no penalty was awarded. Marko Stamenic forced a good save from Okonkwo before Malick Yarkwe fired a couple of decent chances wide.
Wrexham were then displeased with the referee as Josh Tymon appeared to be the last man on the ball, denying Josh Windass a clear goal-scoring chance. However, the Swansea defender was reserved for a call-up only.
But Wrexham sealed the victory when Doyle headed in a free-kick which Liam Cullen deflected well into the net.
Wrexham’s Callum Doyle (centre) heads the ball and Swansea City’s Liam Cullen scores an own goal.
This victory strengthened Wrexham’s qualification for the play-offs, hurting the hopes of their Welsh neighbors in the process.
WATCH: Commentary debut for Reynolds and Rob Mack
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Wrexham owner and commentators Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mack were thrilled after Broadhead scored the opening goal.
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Ryan and Rob celebrating Wrexham’s second goal
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Ben Foster joins Ryan and Rob in the commentary box
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Former Wrexham defender Ben Tozer has also joined the duo.
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Rob explains the phrase “park the bus” to Ryan
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Wrexham Community Director, actor and comedian Humphrey Carr appears in the commentary box
Will Wrexham go up? Reynolds reacts…
About Ryan Reynolds, Sky Sports:
“You have to check yourself too. We are in the Championship. The mere fact that we are here is worth reflecting on in itself.
“Do we want to win it all? Of course we do. We’re all competitors. We have to evaluate and make sure this is part of the reward. I’m so proud of our players. I can’t wait to get into the locker room.”
“For me, my favorite thing about this experience is that it’s so unifying, no matter what your ideology is, it doesn’t care where you’re from or what your identity is.
“Every stadium allows a community to come together for something in common. I love looking out here, feeling the fresh air, being outside and being on the pitch in this great country of Wales. I never take it for granted.”
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Highlights of Wrexham’s 2-0 win over Swansea with alternative commentary from Wrexham owner and superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mack.
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Phil Parkinson from Wrexham:
“After this past week, the emotion of playing the game three days later and winning against Chelsea was huge for us.
“It’s always a difficult question, but our performance tonight was about character. There was a lot of resilience and character on display tonight. Swansea are a good team so it should have been.”
“They have a lot of ball, but it doesn’t always hurt them. Possession doesn’t win games. It’s a goal. We knew they were going to want to keep the ball. We were ready to allow it.”
Swansea’s Vitor Matos:
“It’s hard to accept, I say. We started the game well, we played, we created chances. But luck was probably not on our side today. It was the last moment, the last situation, the last pass and the last action.”
“But I’m proud of the players. Three games in six or seven days is just crazy. I’m proud of them for the way they performed. We’re heading in the right direction.”
“Ever since I’ve been here, I’ve always focused on improving. We still have a few games to play, but the mentality, the effort, the mindset that we showed, we need to take that back and improve in the next game.”
“They are a good team in Coventry, which is why they are at the top of the league. I am excited to play against them.”
