WOUNDED DRAGONS QUICKLY ON THE MEND

JACOB Mendy scored against his former club to help Wrexham bounce back from their FA Cup defeat and keep chase with Notts County at the top of the table at the expense of 10men Wealdstone.

Paul Mullin’s header, initially saved by Sam Howes, spun over the line to bring the game to life before Tarryn Allarakhia equalised quickly into the second period.

But Mendy came off the bench to retain the lead, with Sam Dalby adding gloss to Wrexham’s performance and denting Wealdstone’s play-off push, this after Max Kretzschmar sent off by referee Elliott Swallow for returning to the pitch too eagerly after an injury.

Phil Parkinson said, “It is always difficult after a high-profile cup game, like we had on Tuesday, for a number of factors, like the adrenaline, the emotion and the physical demands.

“Those demands made today so important today. Wealdstone are a good side, they are fresh which can make it difficult, but the lads were great today.”

Hollywod actor Will Ferrell was watching in the crowd and the Wrexham boss said, “We always use it as a positive and I enjoy it.”

Wrexham offered little in the firts half with Mullin and Ollie Palmer starved of chances, whilst Wealdstone found some promising positions.

Allarakhia picked up the ball in space and drove towards the Red Dragons’ defence but failed to direct his strike either side of

Mark Howard, who collected it with ease.

It took until five minutes from the break for Wrexham to muster a shot, and it was the breakthrough. Elliott Lee was played short from a free-kick and swung in a cross that Mullin powered past Howes.

The forward’s 21st league goal sparked Wrexham into life and brought the home side to life as they peppered Wealdstone’s defence.

A set-piece played short created the next opening with Luke Young forcing Alex Dyer to flick the captain’s shot around the post.

The second half didn’t take as long to heat up with a handful of Wealdstone players finding themselves in referee’s book.

The bookings were after, Wealdstone had drawn level in the 51st minute. Allarakhia beat Wrexham’s highline to latch onto Corey Andrews’ through ball.

The winger, who was in plenty of space, skipped past Howard’s dive and fired into an empty net, but three minutes later, Mendy snapped Parkinson’s side ahead.

The full-back collected a clearance on the edge of the area and hit a shot that crept into Howes’ near post.

Soon, Wealdstone’s collection of yellow cards would affect them and Kretzschmar was sent off for his second with Dalby seizing victory, following up on James Jones’ saved shot, to score.

STAR MAN: Elliott Lee (Wrexham)

ATT: 10,091

ENTERTAINMENT: ★★★★★

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