Wrexham made history as they secured their first ever league victory over Norwich City, as they completed a 3-2 comeback in the second half, having trailed 1-0 at the interval.
A brace from Josh Windass with a goal from Ryan Longman sandwiched between them cancelled out Jack Stacey’s opener.
A late Norwich City goal from Jovon Makama in stoppage time brought some late pressure upon the Wrexham goal, after a mistake from Arthur Okonkwo.
There was nothing to split the two sides in the opening stages of the match, with Norwich looking to get ahead of steam to give their fans something to cheer about; however, the first notable chance of the game was when Lewis O’Brien was denied an opener when the Canaries goalkeeper saved from a free-kick.
Then in the 18th minute, Josh Windass could not believe that he did not give Wrexham the lead as his shot cannoned back off the post after he fired through a crowd in the penalty area.
Only five minutes later Arthur Okonkwo ensured the score remained 0-0 as Matěj Jurásek was through on goal but at a narrow angle from the right wing; the Wrexham keeper narrowed the angle and stood up, denying the Norwich attacker an opening goal at the near post.
Norwich City made it 1-0 through Jack Stacey just five minutes before half-time as he was played in behind the Wrexham defence; the Canaries full-back slotted the ball past Okonkwo with the keeper unable to pull off a heroic stop.
Wrexham were level just a minute into the second half as Ben Sheaf played a long ball out to the right and Kabore crossed the ball into the penalty area first time. His pass was directly on the foot of Windass, and the Wrexham captain fired the ball past the Norwich keeper to make it 1-1.
Wrexham were denied the chance to take the lead in the 50th minute but for a superb stop by the Norwich keeper as Windass turned provider by crossing the ball in behind the Canaries defence to O’Brien. The midfielder shot towards goal, and it looked like it was destined for the net but for an instinctive reaction from the Norwich keeper to deny him.
Wrexham took the lead in the 55th minute as Longman fired home a Kabore cross with a first-time effort to make it 2-1. The strike was not the cleanest, but it caught the Norwich City keeper unawares and was a perfect end to a good Wrexham move.
Windass then got his second and Wrexham’s third before the hour with a fantastic strike as he received the ball wide at the edge of the penalty area, curling the ball into the far corner with his right foot with an effort the keeper could get nowhere near as Wrexham went 3-1 up.
While Norwich attempted to find a way back into the match, Wrexham did not allow them to do so, until the Canaries found a consolation goal in stoppage time when Jovon Makama turned the ball into the Red Dragons net on the rebound to make it 3-2.
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Arthur Okonkwo – 6
A reliable presence behind the defence, pulling off an important save in the first half to deny Norwich the opening goal. Okonkwo cannot be blamed for the opening Norwich goal, as the finish from Stacey was clinical; however, for the second he should have done better as he pushed the shot into the path of the Canaries attacker.
Max Cleworth – 6
A steady presence in the back three for Wrexham, not offering anything of note for the Red Dragons. However, in his position this may be viewed as a positive, as he just got on with his job and denied Norwich any chances.
Dominic Hyam – 7
The former Blackburn Rovers defender did exactly what was needed for the Wrexham defence; he made them more solid and regimented at the back as he controlled things in the centre of the back three. His presence could prove to be vital moving forward after this performance.
Callum Doyle – 5
He was steady at the back throughout the first half while not offering anything of note, apart from picking up a strange yellow card for an incident off the ball. He was withdrawn at half-time.
Issa Kabore – 9
Making his Wrexham debut, Kabore was superb from the start for the Red Dragons, as he appeared to be the most dangerous player throughout for the Welsh club. He was constantly available out on the right-hand side for Wrexham and got assists for both their goals.
George Dobson – 6
He was a steady head in the middle of midfield as Parkinson looked to ensure there was more control in the Wrexham team, with Dobson working perfectly beside Sheaf and O’Brien as they contained the Norwich side.
Ben Sheaf – 7
Exactly what Wrexham needed in the centre of midfield, as he added some solidity in the middle of the park, sniffing out Norwich attacks. He was also able to add some quality on the ball as he played a long ball to Kabore for the full-back to create Wrexham’s opener.
Lewis O’Brien – 8
The midfielder continued his fine form for Wrexham and demonstrated just how important he is in dictating the tempo of the Red Dragons. While he may be frustrated that he was denied a goal by the Norwich keeper, he will be pleased at how important he was for the victory.
Ryan Longman – 7
The wing back was solid throughout for Wrexham and managed to score the Red Dragons’ second goal in the game. While there were some concerns in the first half down his side, this seemed to stop with the change of Brunt for Doyle.
Josh Windass – 9
The Wrexham captain proved to be a fantastic addition to the team after his injury, with his work rate, ability and leadership proving to be vital for the Red Dragons. Windass got two of Wrexham’s three goals, with his second a beautiful curling effort into the top corner past the keeper.
Kieffer Moore – 7
Kieffer Moore was a danger throughout the match and led the line expertly as he played on the shoulder of the last Norwich defender as he attempted to expose the Canaries’ offside trap.
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Substitutes galore for Wrexham
Lewis Brunt – 7
He was introduced at half-time, and it proved a fantastic decision by Parkinson, as he helped shore up the defence on the left-hand side. Working in unison with Hyam, the Wrexham defence looked more solid in comparison to previous weeks.
Matty James – 6
Was introduced to help guide the side through the closing minutes of the game, replacing Sheaf. Wrexham did not look as dominant upon his introduction; however, he proved to be a fine substitution.
George Thomason – 5
Not on for long enough to have any serious impact in the match; however, Thomason will be pleased to have finally made his Wrexham debut.
James McClean – N/A
Introduced for the last seven minutes of the match and helped guide Wrexham to a win over Norwich City.