Andy Cannon made an immediate impact off the bench, scoring for Wrexham in the dying moments, but a stoppage-time penalty dashed their hopes of a win, resulting in a 2-2 draw against Charlton Athletic at The Valley. Wrexham, determined to assert dominance, initially went ahead, but their lead slipped away as Charlton fought back with relentless determination.
The early breakthrough came when Tom O’Connor’s deflected free-kick sailed past the Charlton goalkeeper, giving Wrexham a promising 1-0 advantage. However, Charlton was quick to respond. Macauley Gillesphey’s well-timed header equalized the score, sending both teams into halftime level. In this intense match, “Wrexham battles Charlton” was the story unfolding for fans on both sides.
The second half saw Wrexham stepping up their offensive, with Cannon’s strike seemingly putting the game out of Charlton’s reach. Coming on as a substitute, Cannon wasted no time, seizing the moment to score just minutes after entering the field. However, Charlton had one more trick up their sleeve, and after a contentious handball decision against Max Cleworth, Godden coolly converted a penalty, leveling the score once again. “Wrexham battles Charlton” continued to resonate as both sides struggled to break the tie.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson made strategic adjustments, with Cleworth returning to the starting lineup following injury recovery, while newcomer Matty James began on the bench. The team’s tactical depth proved effective, particularly in keeping Charlton at bay in the second half. However, Charlton remained a challenging opponent. In memory of Lord Herman Ousley, founder of the anti-racism initiative Kick It Out, Charlton marked their annual Red, White, and Black Day, setting a respectful tone for the evening.
Charlton, despite losing Tennai Watson early to injury, maintained high intensity, showcasing depth with Rarmani Edmonds-Green replacing him. It didn’t take long for Charlton to create dangerous chances, with Luke Berry’s curling free-kick just narrowly missing the net in the sixth minute. Wrexham wasn’t left without chances of their own, and with “Wrexham battles Charlton” echoing in the stands, both teams were on edge as opportunities came and went.
The physical nature of the match led to several delays, including a moment when referee Sam Purkiss collided with Ollie Rathbone. Luckily, he recovered, allowing the game to continue with full intensity. On 16 minutes, Wrexham earned their initial lead thanks to O’Connor’s sharp free-kick delivery, which left Charlton’s defense scrambling. Moments later, however, Charlton pushed back, launching a series of attacks that culminated in Gillesphey’s well-executed header.
The game’s tension heightened as each side tested the other’s defense. Wrexham’s Mullin attempted a long-range free-kick, only to send it wide, while Charlton’s Berry saw his attempt thwarted by Arthur Okonkwo, Wrexham’s goalkeeper. As the first half drew to a close with both teams locked at 1-1, fans were treated to an action-packed display that left little to separate the two sides.
In the second half, Cannon’s substitution initially seemed to tilt the game in Wrexham’s favor. His goal, arriving after relentless teamwork and a fortunate rebound, brought new energy to the squad. However, Charlton didn’t back down, and after a lengthy stoppage time, Cleworth’s handball gave Charlton a penalty. Godden stepped up and decisively fired the ball into the net, securing a 2-2 draw in the final moments.
The intensity of “Wrexham battles Charlton” will undoubtedly linger in fans’ minds, as both teams showcased resilience, strategy, and grit in an unforgettable clash. With the outcome hanging in the balance until the last minute, fans left The Valley knowing they had witnessed a match defined by determination and skill.
Line – Ups
Charlton: Mannion, Watson (Edmonds-Green 4), Mitchell, Gillesphey, Edwards, Docherty (Taylor 62), Coventry (Hylton 81), Anderson (Leaburn 46), Berry (A.Campbell 62), T.Campbell, Godden
Subs: Maynard-Brewer, Small
Wrexham: Okonkwo, Cleworth, Scarr, O’Connor, Barnett (Revan 85), Rathbone (Cannon 70), Dobson, Lee, McClean, Palmer (Faal 86), Mullin
Subs: Burton, O’Connell, Bolton, M.James
Referee: Sam Purkiss (sub: Alan Dale 36)
Attendance: 24,692 (2,647 away)
Bookings
Charlton: Edwards (29, foul), Leaburn (84, dissent)
Wrexham: Rathbone (53, foul), McClean (66, dissent), Scarr (68, foul)