Steven Fletcher, you beauty! Super-sub strikes late to seal narrow win as Wrexham keep pressure on Birmingham and Wycombe in League One promotion push

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It was one-way traffic from Wrexham early on at SToK Cae Ras on Saturday afternoon, albeit resulting in mostly wayward shooting, with Peterborough getting more into the contest as the first half progressed.

The hosts’ failure to test visiting goalkeeper Nicholas Bilokapic continued into the second period and it looked as though it would be another frustrating afternoon until Fletcher popped up with the 87th minute winner. The veteran striker headed in Oliver Rathbone’s cross from a few yards out, just moments after failing to hit the target with a previous header.

There’s nobody better 😎

🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/9yYZe4afKc

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) January 4, 2025

The result makes the most of Wycombe dropping points against Blackpool and keeps Phil Parkinson’s team just two points behind leaders Birmingham. Wrexham have played more games than both rivals, however.

DID YOU KNOW?

Iconic former Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson was in attendance at this one. The 83-year-old was supporting his son, Darren, a Wrexham legend as a player but whose never-ending love affair with Peterborough began 18 years ago and is now in his fourth stint as manager.

THE MVP

It wasn’t working for Wrexham for most of freezing January afternoon, but Fletcher showed again precisely why squad depth is so important when every result matters. The 37-year-old has scored off the bench in four of his last six League One appearances – three of those have been winning goals in the 87th minute or later to directly contribute six additional points to the team’s overall tally. That could make all the difference come the end of the season.

THE BIG LOSER(S)

Between them, Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer had eight shots but couldn’t seriously test Bilokapic. Palmer made way for Fletcher after an hour, with Mullin not lasting much longer and withdrawn with just under 20 minutes to play when Wrexham were still searching for their goal.

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Wrexham have a quick turnaround due to an EFL Trophy third round tie away at Port Vale on Tuesday. But it’s then nine days until the next League One game, a trip to Shewsbury on a Thursday night, with next weekend’s scheduled clash against Reading postponed due to the Royals playing in the FA Cup.

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐