Wrexham Youth 1
Tranmere Rovers U18 1
Football League Youth Alliance (North West Conference)

Match Report

Wrexham extended their unbeaten run to four matches with a determined display at home to Tranmere Rovers as once again the Young Reds demonstrated their fighting abilities, coming from a goal down to secure a fourth successive draw.

The game began at a frenetic pace befitting a local derby with Sam Pilkington flashing a shot just past the post inside the first five minutes. Rovers responded with targetman Bailey Thompson seeing a snap shot blocked by the Wrexham rearguard. The visitors took the lead on 16 minutes when a pinpoint cross from James Salkeld picked out Thompson inside the penalty-area and he skilfully directed his header past a helpless Ben Tinkley in the Wrexham goal.

Direct from the restart Dan Nolan’s charges were handed an immediate lifeline as Tranmere full-back Lewis Sinnott over-hit a back pass which evaded the desperate attempts of his keeper Bayleigh Passant and rolled into an empty net for the equaliser. Spurred on by this setback, Rovers dominated the remainder of the opening period forcing a succession of corners but the home defence stood firm and went into the half-time break level.

Having regrouped at the interval, Wrexham began the second period brightly with Calum Huxley breaking well down the left flank only to be abruptly halted in his tracks. From the resultant free-kick, Cameron McGregor’s delightful cross found the head of Bobby Beaumont but the talismanic centre-back could only look on in frustration as his effort sailed narrowly over the crossbar. With clearcut chances at a premium, Reds’ keeper Ben Tinkley had to be alert to deny Jake Burton on 67 minutes, parrying the striker’s shot at his near post.

Wrexham had one final opportunity to clinch their first victory of the campaign some ten minutes later when the electric pace of substitute Dylan Allshorn caused havoc in the opposing defence. The flame-haired winger beat three men before picking out captain Matty Sargent on the edge of the penalty-box, the midfielder’s firmly hit shot frustratingly finding the grateful arms of Passant. When the final whistle duly arrived, both sides looked contented with a deserved share of the spoils.