Wrexham get slice of luck! Big misses & deflected goal deliver FA Cup joy for Ryan Reynolds & Rob McElhenney as Red Dragons edge derby date with Shrewsbury to reach round four

Phil Parkinson’s side made the short trip to The Croud Meadow hoping to replicate their heroics from last season – when they saw off Championship side Coventry to book a fourth-round date with Premier League-bound Sheffield United. Local rivalry added extra spice to a contest in Shropshire, with the League One hosts determined not to buckle under pressure from fourth-tier opponents.

Wrexham loaded their ranks with attacking firepower, but the likes of Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher barely had a sniff as the Shrews found a way of frustrating opponents that are usually full of goals. It was the home side that created the better opportunities, with Tunmise Sobowale somehow managing to fire over the top of a gaping net midway through the first half.

Mullin did have one poked effort from a tight angle beaten away early in the second 45, but it was Shrewsbury that looked the more likely to force a breakthrough – with Mal Benning hitting the top of the crossbar just past the hour mark. The only goal of the game arrived in the 72nd minute, with O’Connor bundling in from close range via a huge stroke of luck, with more glorious chances passed up by the hosts in the closing stages.

Wrexham were crying out for a hero, and would have expected that to be somebody like prolific frontman Mullin or talismanic midfielder Elliot Lee. Irish defender Thomas O’Connor was the unlikely match-winner, though, as he found himself in the right place, at the right time. His strike, after being teed up inside a crowded penalty area, was not the cleanest but had enough on it to flick off an outstretched leg and over the helpless Marko Marosi.

Shrewsbury will believe that they should be looking ahead to the FA Cup fourth round, but they were unable to take any of the opportunities that came their way. Tunmise Sobowale had the best of those in the 26th minute, but fluffed his lines in spectacular fashion. Arthur Okonkwo may have done just about enough to put him off, as he flew across his goal, but the Shrews midfielder was only three yards out and should have hit the back of the net – rather than row Z of the stand.

Wrexham’s Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney will now have the opportunity to take in another FA Cup experience – if they fancy a trip to British shores – having attended the Sheffield United home tie last season. The Red Dragons will discover their fourth round opponents when the draw takes place on Monday.