Wrexham 3-0 Burton Albion: Contentious Decisions Cost Brewers in Wales.
Burton Albion battled valiantly with ten men following an early red card and were left feeling aggrieved by a debated penalty decision as Wrexham ultimately secured a comfortable victory. (Attendance: 12,829)
By Andrew Lunn
Burton Albion manager made one enforced change to the lineup that had shown great resilience in the second half to secure a 2-1 victory over Orient on Tuesday. Ryan Sweeney was unavailable due to concussion protocols, allowing Jack Armer to step into the starting eleven, with Max Crocombe taking the captain’s armband.
Just ten minutes into the match, the Brewers faced an uphill battle when Charlie Webster was shown a straight red card for a late challenge on George Dobson. The decision appeared harsh, with many feeling a yellow card would have been more appropriate. However, amidst vociferous appeals from the home crowd and players, the referee brandished red, a significant setback for Burton at such an early stage.
Shortly thereafter, the inconsistencies in officiating were further highlighted when the referee awarded Burton a free-kick for a late challenge by McClean, the Wrexham captain, who escaped without a caution.
Wrexham bolstered their attack by introducing Steven Fletcher, and in the 38th minute, the experienced forward went down in the penalty area, appealing for a spot-kick, but the referee waved away his protests.
Despite enjoying the lion's share of possession, Wrexham posed limited direct threat, often resorting to long-range efforts. Remarkably, despite being a man down, Burton managed to reach the half-time break on level terms.
The second half began in a similar pattern to the first, with Wrexham maintaining possession but adopting a more direct approach.
On 62 minutes, Barnet unleashed a long-range shot that was deflected for a corner, which Crocombe collected comfortably to alleviate the pressure on the Burton goal.
The game turned decisively in Wrexham’s favour in the 68th minute when the referee awarded the home side a penalty. Smith dispossessed a Burton player and appeared to simply run into the onrushing Crocombe, but the referee pointed to the spot. Steven Fletcher stepped up and dispatched a left-footed shot into the net, giving Wrexham the lead. Wrexham 1-0 Burton.
Wrexham doubled their advantage soon after. Godwin-Malife lost possession in the centre circle, and the ball was quickly played through to Sam Smith, who looked suspiciously offside as he slotted the ball past Crocombe. Wrexham 2-0 Burton.
With the home supporters finding their voice, Wrexham grew in confidence and looked to impress the watching dignitaries. Fletcher even attempted an audacious lob from 45 yards, which Crocombe dealt with.
Jack Marriott added a third goal for Wrexham in the 87th minute. A hopeful ball forward caused confusion in the Burton defence between Sraha and Godwin-Malife, allowing Marriott to slot the ball across Crocombe and into the net. Wrexham 3-0 Burton.
It was a harsh defeat for the Brewers, who had defended resolutely after Webster’s dismissal. They will feel justifiably aggrieved by the crucial refereeing decisions that went against them, most notably the red card and the penalty. Burton must now put this setback behind them as they fight to maintain their League One status. However, they will have to do so without Charlie Webster, who potentially faces a four-game suspension, starting with next week’s home fixture against Huddersfield.
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