Wrexham clinched their third consecutive home win in League One tonight, thanks to an injury-time strike from Ollie Rathbone.
Thrilling Finish Seals the Win
The match kicked off with Ryan Barnett putting pressure on Barnsley early on. Just nine minutes in, Barnett’s left-footed shot was tipped over by Ben Killip, the Barnsley goalkeeper. It was a close call right from the start. Midway through the first half, Wrexham had to switch things up when their goalkeeper, Callum Burton, got injured. Mark Howard stepped in seamlessly, keeping the team’s hopes alive.
Wrexham nearly took the lead before halftime. Matty James fired a half-volley that Killip managed to save. The tension was palpable as both teams battled fiercely but evenly.
Second Half Stalemate and Decisive Goal
The second half mirrored the first, with neither side able to dominate the game. Max Cleworth, already with five goals this season, almost added another. Elliot Lee had a great shot from the edge of the box, but Killip was there to make the save.
- Key Moments:
- Ryan Barnett’s early attempt
- Matty James’ near goal
- Ollie Rathbone’s decisive strike
Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher came off the bench in the final 20 minutes, bringing fresh energy to Wrexham. Barnsley responded with Fabio Jalo nearly tipping the balance in their favor, but Howard made another crucial save. As the clock ticked down, Fletcher pressed hard, making it look like a draw was on the cards. Then, in the dying moments, Rathbone delivered a stunning left-footed shot that secured the three points for Wrexham.
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Wrexham | Barnsley |
|---|---|---|
| Possession (%) | 52 | 48 |
| Shots (on target) | 10 (5) | 8 (3) |
| Corners | 6 | 4 |
| Fouls | 12 | 14 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 2 |
