WREXHAM made progress through to the third qualifying round of the FA Youth Cup sponsored by E.ON, thanks to a very hard fought victory over Marine at their Arriva Stadium this evening.

Despite racing to a 3-0 lead after only 22 minutes, thanks to a hat-trick from striker Obi Anoruo, the home team clawed their way back into the match and the score was 3-2 by half time.

A second half penalty miss for Marine, gave the Welshmen some breathing space, and then in the dying moments full back Kai Edwards saw his long range punt squirm under the home keeper to finally decide the outcome.

Coach Stuart Webber was happy that the team made progress, but disappointed at the manner of victory.

"We certainly made hard work of it," he said.

"Although they finished their goals well, it was poor defensively by us to give them the opportunites.

"It gave them a life line in the game and one they almost saved themselves with.

"We did some some character in the second half to get through and enjoyed a slice of luck with their penalty miss.

"I thought Rob Pearson was outstanding in midfield, while the two full backs Declan and Kai also had good games.

"Obi took his goals well, but we needed to demand more from each other."

Wrexham now move onto the final qualifying stage and a fourth straight away tie, visiting either Warrington Town or Nantwich Town in two weeks time.

Marine: Dean Pye, Ricky Ager, Kyle Humpries, Sean Gallagher, Jake Freeman, Frankie Smith, Rowan Garnett, John Connolly, Dean Astbury, Liam Rushton, Mike Brown (Daniel Broken 83).
Subs: Adam Halliday, Alex Clatke, Liam Duff, Tony Fanning.

Wrexham: Dan Staples, Declan Walker, Leon Clowes, Josh Marsh, Kai Edwards, Matt Hurdman, Rob Pearson, Jack Jones, Nick Rushton, Obi Anoruo, Mark Head.
Subs: Tom Bainbridge, Max Penk, Aaron Malton, Danny Murphy, Jordan Kane.

Referee: J Bailey
Attendance: 100ish
Away: 30ish

Booked -
Marine: Gallagher (65, foul)