Wrexham AFC versus Watford was a decidedly non-frigid match, featuring an exciting and action-shaping 2-2 draw at the Racecourse Ground. On an unseasonably warm autumn afternoon, the semifinal had drawn a remarkable crowd. In the stands were Wrexham’s high-profile owners, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, along with actress Kaitlin Olson. The passion from both their players and their fans contributed to the magical atmosphere, as thousands cheered that night for their hometown heroes.
The game played out as a rollercoaster of emotions for Wrexham fans. And it was Windass who put them in front, scoring their first-ever goal. Watford responded almost immediately with two goals that appeared to seal all three points. Oliver Rathbone’s stunning 92nd-minute equaliser kept Wrexham’s hopes alive and allowed them to earn a deserved point.
Match Highlights
Wrexham scored within the first 15 minutes of the match to take the lead. Windass rocketed one into the top corner, sending the home fans into raptures. That jubilation was short-lived, as Watford answered quickly. Mamadou Doumbia brought the club level, pouncing on a rebound inside of the box to finish home from short range. Just seconds later, Watford’s Othmane Maamma doubled his side’s advantage, leaving United at the gasping end of the race.
Despite trailing, Wrexham continued to press. Callum Doyle came within inches of equalising just before the interval. This close-range header from a corner crashed into the crossbar, had everyone holding their breath. The miss would prove a missed opportunity, with Wrexham searching for answers as they went into the half.
“I’m so pleased for Ollie Rathbone. He’s had to wait to get his chance but he typifies everything we want here at Wrexham. His attitude is fantastic and he deserved that moment today.” – Phil Parkinson
Second Half Action
The second half opened with rejuvenated energy from Wrexham. They undisputedly revealed desire to struggle again against Watford’s purpose. Soon after the restart, goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was called into action, denying Doumbia from point-blank range. Once again, the home side were in dire need of a spark. Rathbone came through, showing terrific calmness under pressure to find the net in the final seconds of the contest.
Rathbone proved his craft and composure with a second half stunner of a goal. He maneuvered beautifully to get open on the flank and drilled home a beautiful shot that buried Watford’s goalkeeper. The late leveler led to bedlam in the stands, with Wrexham supporters jumping into the players’ celebrating on-field huddle.
There were additional efforts from Wrexham to take the lead. Kieffer Moore rose highest to meet it with a header, virtually from the penalty spot. Sadly, his effort hardly tested Watford’s Selvik either. In another near miss, Luca Kjerrumgaard’s shot from the top of the box curled inches wide of the post.
Referee Controversy
Between the dramatic end-to-end play, there were heated situations that caught people’s attention on the field. https://videopress.com/v/N666YAI7 Dominic Hyam had an early goal disallowed for offside, leaving Watford’s players and coaching staff incensed. Zigor Aranalde commented on a significant incident, stating:
“It was a clear foul, one of the clearest I’ve seen this season, but the referee didn’t give it and for me it’s a big mistake.”
Even with some unfortunate injuries, both teams showed strength and vulnerability from start to finish during this championship match. Ryan Longman, pictured here in action against Penn State, had a golden opportunity late in the game. He nodded the ball wide from only two yards out after a pinpoint cross from James McClean.
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