Fletcher spot on to inspire Dragons to a vital win

By Jordan Preece

WREXHAM 3

Fletcher 71 (pen), Smith 74, Marriott 87

WREXHAM: Okonkwo 7, Cleworth 7, O’Connell 7, Brunt 8, Longman 8, Dobson 7 (Lee 46, 6), James 7, Rathbone 7, McClean 7 (Barnett 46, 6), Rodriguez 6 (Fletcher 34, 7), Smith 8 (Marriott 77, 7). Subs not used: Burton, Scarr, O’Connor.

BURTON ALBION 0

BURTON: Crocombe 5, Godwin-Malife 6, Sraha 7, Armer 6 (Kalinauskas 85), Dodgson 5, McKiernan 6 (Williams 61, 6), Chauke 6, Lofthouse 6, Webster 5, Larsson 6 (Forde 78, 6), Burrell 6 (Tavares 78, 6). Subs not used: Isted, Delap, Stretton.

Att: 12,829 Rating: ★★★★★ Ref: Sebastian Stockbridge 6/10

VETERAN striker Steven Fletcher was praised by Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson after just his second goal in 16 games sparked the high-fliers into life as they eventually beat ten-man Burton.

The first-half sub scored a 71st-minute penalty to finally put the Dragons in control after the visitors had looked comfortable for an hour despite a tenth-minute red card for Charlie Webster. Sam Smith and Jack Marriott added further efforts to put gloss on the scoreline.

“I was pleased for Fletcher, he had a few near moments,” ments,” said Parkinson.

“Not missed chances, but the defence just nudged things off him.

“He is such a great player, and there are not many players that you would want in that situation when there is a pressured moment to take that penalty.”

Parkinson went on: “Our job was to win today. Nothing that could happen would change our mindset going into the game.

“Goal difference is key, and it could come down to that, so we are pleased we have got three goals.

“We would like more, but we will take three and a clean sheet.”

Burton were dealt a blow early on when Webster was dismissed after a late challenge on George Dobson. And just before half-time, Smith tried his luck from close range, but Max Crocombe was equal to his effort.

With just over 20 minutes remaining, Wrexham were awarded a penalty after Crocombe rushed out and took Smith out.

Fletcher stepped up and slotted home from 12 yards.

Three minutes later, Wrexham doubled their lead when Smith was played through, and he drove into the box and converted into the bottom corner.

Fletcher went close to a second when he tried his luck from just inside the opposition half, but his effort whistled over the bar. Marriott completed the scoring with four minutes remaining when he drove home from close range.

Burton boss Gary Bowyer said: “The manner of all three goals is really disappointing. It is most probably the worst three goals we have conceded since I have been here.

“I have not been able to see [the red card] as it was the other side for me, but it has changed the game.

“I thought Rumarn Burrell was terrific on his own, and I am delighted that Jason Sraha got 90 minutes under his belt. The way they stepped up and took responsibility was brilliant.”