Wrexham U19 2
FC United of Manchester U19 1
National League U19 Alliance (Division H)

Match Report

Wrexham had to come from a goal down to secure a hard fought victory against the Rebels, captain Tom Jenkins netting a late winner from the penalty spot on a bitterly cold afternoon at Colliers Park. Following on from the defeat at Altrincham, coach Dan Nolan recalled fit-again centre-back Oli Hitchcox to the starting line-up with Reece Oliver dropping to the substitutes’ bench.

In a cagey opening period both sides found chances at a premium with Owen Cushion’s long range shot clipping the United crossbar just short of the 20 minute mark. Gradually the visitors began to enjoy the greater share of possession but found it difficult to pierce the Wrexham rear guard. By contrast, United keeper Joshua Brooks had to be alert to firstly deny Kai Evans from distance and then by diving at the young forward’s feet as the game remained goalless at the interval.

The deadlock was eventually broken five minutes into the second period when Yann Daryl Tchokotcheu was tripped inside the penalty area by Will Mountfield, Toby Humphries netting from the resultant spot kick. With Jack Towse introduced for Jacob Milner on 55 minutes, the Young Reds sub made an immediate impact as he capitalised on a Dan Jones through ball to shot past Brooks and level matters.

This proved the catalyst as Wrexham took control of the game and laid siege to the United goal. Despite that the game looked to be heading for a draw when, with just two minutes of normal time remaining, Nathaniel Egyiri was adjudged to have impeded Joe Fountain’s forceful run into the box. It was left to Towse to step forward and shoot low into the left-hand corner of the net to spark joyous celebrations with his team mates and ensure a first league win in three matches.