Wrexham welcomed Burton Albion to the Racecourse Ground in search of a crucial three points in their promotion quest.
Phil Parkinson named an unchanged side for the fifth consecutive League One game as Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez continued their partnership at the top of the pitch with no place again for Paul Mullin.
Burton were on the back foot in the game from the tenth minute as Charlie Webster saw a straight red card for a challenge on George Dobson.
Wrexham were frustrated in the first half as it ended goalless but were rewarded for their patience as Smith earned a penalty by chasing down what looked a lost cause.
Substitute Steven Fletcher emphatically dispatched the penalty into the top left hand corner to open the deadlock and breathe a sigh of relief around the Racecourse Ground.
Ryan Longman’s exquisite ball down the side of the Burton defence set Smith on his way and his cool finish past Max Crocombe sealed the points for Wrexham.
Jack Marriott was quickest to a long ball as the Burton defence began to tire put the gloss on a crucial victory for Parkinson’s side.
Wrexham player ratings vs Burton Albion
Wrexham had to be patient but eventually their pressure took its toll, here’s how the Wrexham players rated in their League One clash with Burton Albion.
Arthur Okonkwo- 7
Made an outstanding save in the first half to keep the game level when Wrexham switched off at the back from a rare flurry forward from Burton.
Max Cleworth- 7
Tried to build Wrexham attacks from the back with some penetrative passes and linked well with Longman in particular in the first half.
Eoghan O’Connell- 7
Kept his concentration up against the considerable threat of Rumarn Burrell on the break by clearing up any rare Burton attacks.
Lewis Brunt- 6
A comfortable afternoon for Brunt following a tricky evening against Cambridge and was solid in his defensive duties.
Ryan Longman- 9
Had the beating of his full back all afternoon and consistently produced some quality deliveries into the box from both feet. Provided a wonderful pass for Smith’s goal.
James McClean- 6
Strong and diligent in his defensive duties and looked to attack the box more often from Longman’s constant deliveries into the penalty area. Replaced at half time by Barnett.
George Dobson- 7
A really good first half display in the centre of the park from Dobson, full of energy in his defensive duties and always looked to play forward when on the ball. Unfortunate to be replaced at half time.
Matty James- 7
Neat and tidy once again in midfield, won a lot of second balls and then used to ball well, allowing the likes of Dobson and Rathbone to create.
Ollie Rathbone- 6
Typical busy performance from Rathbone, kept his side ticking along in midfield and didn’t allow himself to become frustrated amid stubborn Burton resistance.
Jay Rodriguez- 5
Dropped deep in order to link play when Burton went down to ten men but was substituted in the first half for Fletcher, Rodriguez appeared to receive treatment upon leaving the field.
Sam Smith- 8
Hard work as always from Smith paid off in winning the penalty by chasing down what looked a lost cause and nipped in front of the keeper. Took his goal well with a wonderful finish past Crocombe.
Substitutes-
Steven Fletcher- 7
Replaced Rodriguez in the first half and the decision paid off for Parkinson as the experienced striker emphatically dispatched his penalty under pressure.
Elliot Lee- 5
Brought on at half time for Dobson to introduce some creativity to the Wrexham midfield and got on the ball to cause problems for the Burton defence.
Ryan Barnett- 6
Replaced McClean at half time and produced a number of dangerous deliveries into the box for the strikers to attack.
Jack Marriott- 6
Came on for the excellent Smith with 15 minutes remaining and caused some problems as the spaces began to open up, took his goal well following a defensive mix up.