Wrexham narrowly held onto second place in League One after a fortuitous own goal by Lincoln City’s Tendayi Darikwa secured a tense 1-0 win at the Racecourse Ground.
The match began with Lincoln threatening to take an early lead. Paudie O’Connor came close with a flicked header from a free-kick, only to see his effort expertly stopped by Callum Burton. Bailey Cadamarteri then had a golden opportunity for the visitors but stabbed his shot wide from another set-piece.
As half-time loomed, Wrexham responded in kind. James McClean delivered a teasing cross, which Lewis Brunt met with a strong header. However, his effort rattled the crossbar, leaving the sides level going into the break.
Second Half
In the second half, Wrexham began to exert more pressure. Ollie Palmer tested Lincoln goalkeeper George Wickens with a shot, but beat not only the former Fulham man, but also the frame of the goal. However, the home side did take the lead, and it was an unfortunate moment for Darikwa that decided the game. McClean’s cross took a deflection off the Lincoln defender, leaving Wickens helpless as the ball found the back of the net.
The Imps really should have drawn level, peppering the goal with 14 shots, but only hitting the target once. The biggest culprit was academy graduate Jovon Makama, who stabbed a great chance wide, before getting the ball under his feet when free moments later.
Substitute Rob Street spurned a good chance late on, dragging his effort wide of the goal, finishing off a tough evening for the visitors, who would have been good value for a point. The result compounded a tough week for Lincoln, who had already suffered a defeat to league leaders Wycombe Wanderers. The Imps now sit in ninth place, struggling to maintain their play-off ambitions.
Wrexham, meanwhile, continue their promotion push but will be mindful of Birmingham City, who are breathing down their necks with games in hand.
Writer’s View
Wrexham’s ability to grind out results under pressure remains impressive, but the reliance on moments of fortune, such as Darikwa’s own goal, highlights areas for improvement. With Birmingham City closing in, consistency and clinical finishing will be key if they hope to secure automatic promotion. As for Lincoln, their inability to capitalise on promising spells of play could prove costly in their quest for a play-off spot.
