Wrexham were made to work for their 2-1 win over Crawley Town, as they were largely outplayed, but found a way to take all three points.
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Wrexham take all three pointsGoals from Lee and CleworthMullin struggles on return to XIGettyTELL ME MORE
Wrexham had to battle against a vibrant Crawley side as they attempted to continue their fine start to the season, and they were made to suffer throughout the 90 minutes, although they managed to escape with all three points.
The hosts were ahead within 30 minutes albeit against the run of play, as Elliott Lee tapped home from close-range after an excellent ball in from Max Cleworth, after a chaotic corner delivery that bamboozled goalkeeper Jojo Wollacott.
Before half-time, Arthur Okonkwo was required to make an excellent save to deny Will Swan and keep Wrexham's clean sheet intact. He was well-beaten, however, when Junior Quitirna skipped around him and only had James McClean standing between him and the goal; amazingly, he managed to put his effort over the crossbar. After half-time, though, Quitirna made up for his miss, as he equalised in the 54th minute, finishing into the bottom corner after some intricate build-up.
Lee missed a golden chance to put Wrexham ahead again on 74 minutes; Jack Marriott's cross was diverted into the striker's path but he dragged his shot wide. Paul Mullin was substituted as the Red Dragons chased a winner, and Cleworth found it, heading in from a brilliant George Dobson cross.
AdvertisementTHE MVP
Okonkwo was key to Wrexham's win. He may well have conceded, but the former Arsenal goalkeeper was required to show just how good he is to keep Parkinson's side in the lead. Crawley played remarkably well, particularly in attack, but Okonkwo stood up to be counted.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
Mullin was back in the starting XI after his injury-enforced absence and his only notable contribution was to bend a free-kick wide. With Wrexham level and chasing a winner, Phil Parkinson opted to take his striker off. That was likely pre-planned, but it could also have stemmed from his lack of impact.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Wrexham play Leyton Orient in their next League One outing next weekend. They then face Stevenage on the following Tuesday.