A GOAL from Mark Head, deep into extra-time, ensured Wrexham's passage through to the next qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup at Stalybridge Celtic on Thursday evening, despite being reduced to 10-men in the second half.

The visitors' took an early lead on just nine minutes, when a free kick from the right was punched away by keeper James Paul, but was returned from the left by Jack Jones. At the back post Obi Anoruo was on hand to finish from close range.

If the Welshman thought they were on easy street, then Celtic corrected that impression within 60 seconds, as they raced up the pronounced slope and despite Daniel Goodard seeing his shot saved by Wrexham custodian Danny Staples, centre forward Conner Jennings was on hand to fire home the rebound.

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It was Wrexham who we enjoying the better of the openings and the best was passed up on 35 minutes, when Obi created space on the right flank, drew the two covering defenders to him and slipped a pass through to Matty Hurdman. The midfielder was clean through on the Celtic goal, but his shot proved an easy save for Paul.

Wrexham regained the lead a few minutes before the interval and in rather unusual circumstances as a Hurdman corner was driven to the edge of the six yard box and as Josh Marsh went for the ball he seemed to stumble. As he did so his head made contact with the cross and the ball flew into the corner of the net!

Kicking up hill after the break, Wrexham still enjoyed the majority of the chances, although it was not one-ay traffic.

A Jones header, as well as efforts from Rushton, Anoruo, Hurdman and Head all tested James Paul in the home goal, but he was equal to the task in producing a 'man of the match' performance for Celtic.

With the minutes counting down the home side won a penalty when schoolboy Max Penk was adjudged to have tripped his man in the box. To make matters worse the young defender was sent off for a second yellow card and Celtic equalised from the spot.

Coach Steve Cooper sent on defender Leon Clowes for winger Nick Rushton to counter the man advantage and it worked well.

The game went into the extra time and Wrexham looked comfortable coping with 10-men, looking to use their speed and hitting Celtic on the break.

There were several long delays as players required attention from both physios, which included Wrexham's Mark Head, who managed to continue after being treated for cramp with only a few minutes remaining before penalties would decide the outcome of this tie.

Somehow, Head recovered sufficiently to pick up the ball wide on the left flank, race forward 20-yards and coming in on the angle he fired a low shot under the advancing keeper, which won the game for Wrexham.

It was a cruel blow for the home side, but edged the Dragons through to an away meeting with Northwich Victoria in two weeks time.

Stalybridge Celtic: James Paul, Stephen Smith, Alistair Cartwright, Nathan Barber, James Phythian, Daniel Higgins, Michael Brickhall, Matthew Nee, Conner Jennings, Mark Conner, Daniel Goodard.
Subs: Joel Bembo Leta, Mark Pyatt, Matthew Moores, Lee Constantine, Michael Mullholland.

Wrexham: Danny Staples, Declan Walker, Kai Edwards, Josh Marsh, Max Penk, Nick Rushton (Leon Clowes 83), Rob Pearson, Matty Hurdman, Jack Jones (Aaron Moulton), Obi Anoruo (Jordan Kane 75), Mark Head.
Subs: Daniel Ward, Louis Moss.

Referee: Mr Eadon
Attendance: 110
Away: 30

Sent Off -
Wrexham: Max Penk (83, second yellow)