Wrexham boosted their chances of reaching the Championship play-offs by beating Welsh rivals Swansea 2-0.
In front of Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds, who were on Sky Sports co-commentary duty alongside David Prutton at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham now have a six-point cushion in the top six ahead of the weekend’s Championship action.
But Swansea had the better of the first half and should have taken the lead. Goncalo Franco had a decent chance inside the opening 40 seconds but fired straight at Arthur Okonkwo as the chance opened up for him.
The visitors’ best chance though came from the league’s top scorer Zan Vupovnik, who was played through by Franco but could only fire at the Wrexham goalkeeper in a one-on-one.
That missed chance proved crucial as Nathan Broadhead slotted the hosts in front moments later after a lovely pass from Callum Doyle in the penalty area.
Nathan Broadhead slots in after a lovely pass to give Wrexham the lead against Swansea
Wrexham should have doubled their lead with the last kick of the first half as Doyle nodded a late corner over from close range, but Swansea came out firing in the second period.
They had a strong case for a penalty when Franco went down under Dom Hyam’s clumsy challenge, which went unpunished. Marko Stamenic forced Okonkwo into a good save before Malick Yalcouye fired a couple of decent chances wide.
Wrexham then felt aggrieved with the referee as Josh Tymon appeared to handle the ball as last man, which denied Josh Windass a clear and obvious goalscoring chance. But the Swansea defender was only booked for his call.
But Wrexham sealed the win as Doyle headed in a free-kick, which took a wicked deflection off Liam Cullen, before nestling into the net.
Wrexham’s Callum Doyle (centre) heads the ball against Swansea City’s Liam Cullen who scores an own goal
It was a win that strengthened Wrexham’s play-off credentials, and damaged their Welsh neighbours’ hopes in the process.
WATCH: Reynolds and Rob Mac’s commentary debut
Wrexham’s owners and commentators Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac go wild as Broadhead scores the opening goal
Ryan and Rob celebrate Wrexham’s second goal
Ben Foster joins Ryan and Rob in the commentary box
Former Wrexham defender Ben Tozer also joined the duo
Rob explains the phrase ‘parking the bus’ to Ryan
Wrexham community director, actor and comedian Humphrey Ker made an appearance in the commentary box
Are Wrexham going up? Reynolds reacts…
Ryan Reynolds on Sky Sports:
“You have to check yourself too. We’re in the Championship. The mere fact we’re here, that in itself is worth taking stock.
“Do we want to win it all? Of course we do. We’re all competitors. we have to take stock and see this is part to the reward. I’m so proud of the boys, I can’t wait to get in that dressing room.
“For me my favourite thing about this experience is: I don’t care what your ideologies are and where you are from and identity, there’s such a feeling of togetherness.
“In every arena, a community gets to come together for something we share in common. I love looking around here, being in the fresh air, being outside in the wonderful country of Wales, being on the pitch. I don’t ever take that for granted.”
Highlights of Wrexham’s 2-0 win against Swansea with alternative commentary from Wrexham owners and superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
The managers
Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson:
“With the week we’ve had, the emotion of the Chelsea game, to come out three days later and get a win is huge for us.
“It’s always a tough ask, but the performance from us tonight was about character. There was a lot of resilience and character on display tonight. It had to be as Swansea are a good side.
“They have a lot of the ball and they don’t always hurt you with it. Possession doesn’t win you games. It’s goals. We knew they’d want to keep it. We were prepared to let that happen.”
Swansea’s Vitor Matos:
“Hard to take, I would say. We start the game good, played and created chances. But maybe the luck was not on our side today. That was the last moment, last situation, last pass and last action.
“But proud of the boys. Three games in six or seven days is just insane, putting in the performance they did, I’m proud of them. We’re heading in the right direction.
“Since I arrived, always my focus is on improving. There’s still some games to go. But the mentality we showed, the effort and the mindset, that’s what we need to take with us and improve the next game.
“It’s against Coventry, a good team. That’s why they’re top of the league. We’re excited to play against them.”