Wrexham AFC’s Under-18 side recorded yet another thrilling victory on the road, as they claimed an emphatic 5-0 victory over Rochdale.
Mikey Hayman, Hari Roberts, Harry Ashfield, Max Purvis and James Rainbird all got on the scoresheet, in what was a complete team performance from the high-flying Red Dragons.
The visitors started strongly on the road, and it was no surprise when Wrexham took the lead after just four minutes, when a great free kick from Alex Moore found the head of Harry Dean.
It was Dean’s header that struck the crossbar, allowing for Hayman to pounce on the loose ball and fire straight into the net from six-yards-out to break the deadlock.
Wrexham continued to battle away in the first half, looking to double their advantage and increase their control on the match.
They were made to wait until the 33rd minute for the breakthrough, as a great ball from Tom Kelly found Ashfield, who was quick to cross low into the path of Roberts. The midfielder showed good composure and tapped home from close-range to make it 2-0.
Just four minutes later the lead was extended, as a great display of pressing from Wrexham resulted in Moore finding Ashfield with an incisive pass. He turned well before finishing past Rochdale’s keeper, putting the visitors in a great position heading into the interval.
The young Red Dragons continued to impress in the second half, and they made it 4-0 after 53 minutes when a well worked move culminated in a good delivery from Ashfield finding Purvis at the back post, and the defender did well to head home at the back-post.
Victory was sealed five minutes from time, as a brilliant run from Rainbird resulted in him winning a penalty as he was brought down in the box following a great run down the right side.
The forward stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, as he fired with great composure to wrap up a five-star performance from Wrexham on the road.
Wrexham AFC: Pilkington, Hayes, Kelly, Moore, Dean, Purvis, Roberts, Cruise, Hayman, Ashfield, Rainbird.
