Wrexham ended 2024 on a high after Steven Fletcher again came off the bench to secure a 2-1 home victory over Wigan Athletic.
Phil Parkinson oversaw a 2-1 home win over Blackpool on Boxing Day and was looking for another victory as Wigan Athletic rolled into town.
This was another tight affair but Wrexham took the lead through Ryan Barnett, only for Joe Hugill to level it up for the Latics.
Wrexham fans would have been fearing another frustrating case of dropped points from a winning position after recent draws against Cambridge United and Bristol Rovers.
Wrexham came up with a late winner for the second time in a matter of days though as Steven Fletcher again popped up with the crucial goal.
Wycombe Wanderers dropped points at home to Charlton Athletic today and Wrexham took full advantage, moving up to second place with a win.
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Ben Tozer on Steven Fletcher performance
This was always going to be a tricky game with Wigan claiming a big away win at Rotherham United on Boxing Day.
Phil Parkinson will have been aware of Wigan captain Jason Kerr after missing out on him over the summer whilst dangerous winger Jonny Smith made a return to face Wrexham.
There was real quality in the Wigan side but Wrexham came out on top despite not being in absolute top form.
Substitute Fletcher was the key man, coming off the bench to score his second winner in a matter of days.
Fletcher took down a James McClean cross, swivelled and fired home a left-footed strike to send the STōK Cae Ras wild.
Former Wrexham defender Ben Tozer has now moved to praise Fletcher after his match-winning cameo.
Speaking on Wrexham Matchday Live, Tozer suggested that Fletcher’s quality is so high that the only reason he is playing in League One with Wrexham is his age.
Tozer praised Fletcher’s ‘moments of quality’ in terms of his play in the air and on the deck, hailing his movement and touch in key areas.
Tozer added that Wrexham players look towards Fletcher to win games and he has done just that for the second time in a matter of days.
“Obviously, he’s here because of his age,” said Tozer.
“Fletch has got everything apart from age isn’t on his side, unfortunately. His moments of quality, as you’ve seen with the goal, when he holds the ball up, he’s so good in the air, his movement is brilliant, his touch is unbelievable and when he’s taking that touch with his chest and you’re thinking ‘let it fall to one person’, it’s him.
“He’s taken a touch and he’s put it – that’s just Fletch. He’s got that in him. He’s someone who players look to and think ‘go on, win us the game’ and that’s what he’s done,” he added.
Fletcher making his presence felt for Wrexham
Fletcher is certainly heading towards the end of his career at 37 and there may have been fears over his immediate future earlier this term.
Back in October, Fletcher suffered an injury and his absence sparked a deal for free agent Jon Dadi Bodvarsson.
Parkinson confirmed a setback for Fletcher in November and niggling injuries at 37 is never ideal.
Fletcher is now proving his worth though having scored three goals in his last four appearances – all off the bench.
Captain McClean has praised Fletcher and it’s clear that the Scot still has a huge role to play despite his advancing years.
Having a super-sub like Fletcher is always handy and these last few performances show that he can make a huge impact as Wrexham chase another promotion.