Wrexham grinded out a crucial three points in their quest for promotion as they beat Wycombe Wanderers 1-0 at Adams Park.
In a tight and frenetic first half neither side could gain control of the ball and Wrexham’s defence dealt with any danger comfortably.
Max Cleworth shone in the Wrexham player ratings and after a lengthy delay in the second half due to a fan medical incident, Phil Parkinson’s men found the breakthrough with a moment of magic.
Sam Smith had worked tirelessly all game and got his reward when he latched on to a loose ball to produce an exquisite volley into the far corner and secure three vital points in the League One promotion race.
READ MORE: Three winners and two losers from Wrexham’s League One clash with Wycombe Wanderers
Sam Smith praises Steven Fletcher for Wrexham’s winning goal vs Wycombe
Smith may have been the scorer but his strike wouldn’t have happened had it not been for the work of substitute Steven Fletcher as the Scot won a header inside the box to set up Smith.
Speaking to Wrexham’s official Matchday Live coverage, Smith has been full of praise for the impact of his team mate.
Smith stated: “I knew when Fletch comes on he causes all sorts of problems up there and I’ve been chatting to him throughout the weeks to try and get advice off him and he’s just taught me to stick near him and try and get around him.”
The 27-year-old January signing then went on to talk through his incredible volley that was worthy of winning any match, let alone a crucial promotion tussle like the clash with Wycombe.
Smith explained: “I enjoy hitting volleys and I’ve caught that one in my sweetest.”
Fletcher continues to be more effective partner than Jay Rodriguez for Smith
Despite the victory, there was yet another ineffective performance from striker Jay Rodriguez and it opens up even more discussion over the strike partner for Smith moving forward.
Fletcher has an impact when coming off the bench for 20 minutes but may not be able to last a full 90 minutes up alongside Smith.
It poses the question for Parkinson as to whether Paul Mullin or Ollie Palmer should be brought back into the fold following their exile from recent matchday squads.
Both strikers could provide Smith with something to feed from and avoid him cutting an isolated figure like he has done so far in his Wrexham career.