THOMAS DOUBLE BAGS THE BONUS
TALK ABOUT a bonus! The ten men of Wrexham refused to be fazed with a Kwame Thomas double firing the Hollywood backed Red Dragons to a big three points.
Thomas acted as the poacher, smashing home from close range and nodding in at the back post to leave an unfortunate keeper Harry Isted no chance.
This result condemns Stuart Maynard’s Wealdstone to their seventh game without a win, leaving the club just three points above the relegation zone.
For Wrexham the excitement is building. New owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney announced a new bonus structure this week with a win now worth a cool £200 if they remain in the playoff places.
This victory moves them up to fifth in the league and eight points behind the league leaders, Torquay.
Dean Keates praised his side’s valiant second-half performance. He said: “I’ve gone in there and said give me everything. But I’ve said it before, believe in ourselves, be confident in ourselves and have each other’s backs.
“It’s a positive being fifth in the league, it is what it is the league table and I’ve said to the players that, yes, teams have got games in hand on us, but look, win the next football match, look after ourselves and we will win our own race.”
Despite the final result, Wrexham were underwhelming in the first half but prompted an early scare, as Jamie Reckord launched a corner into the box. It rattled the post before being gratefully collected by Isted.
On 34 minutes there was jubilance for the away side, as Danny Green’s teasing cross into the box was met by the head of defender Michee Efete. His header was desperately scrambled off of the line, before Stones top scorer Danny Parish threw himself at the ball to ensure the lead.
Wrexham found an immediate equaliser after the break courtesy of Thomas. The 25-year old was lurking as Elliot Durrell fired in a low cross, and the striker smashed in following Dior Angus’ first attempt being saved.
Wrexham were able to turn the game on its head, in mesmerising fashion. A quick corner from Reckord found Luke Young on the edge of the box, and he was able to expertly place the ball in off the bar.
Thomas headed in his second and Wrexham’s third in the 68th minute, as Angus once again contributed enormously by dinking a ball to the back post, where an unmarked Thomas calmly converted.
Wrexham’s comfort was unsettled when Theo Vassell was dismissed for a second yellow card.
But eventually, the result was confirmed thanks to Angus, whose hard-work was rewarded as he outmuscled his man before firing the ball beneath Isted to seal the points. STAR MAN: Luke Young (Wrexham) ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★ REFEREE: Garreth Rhodes