Wrexham shocked by Halifax as Ryan Reynolds’ promotion dream takes massive dent

HALIFAX 3-1 WREXHAM: The Red Dragons moved down to second in the National League and were dealt a major blow in their title ambitions after being beaten in Yorkshire

Mani Dieseruvwe celebrates after scoring for Halifax against Wrexham (

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Wrexham’s automatic promotion push took a huge dent after they suffered a shock 3-1 defeat at the hands of Halifax on Good Friday.

Phil Parkinson’s Dragons took the lead in the first-half through Elliot Lee, before Halifax produced a terrific and unlikely comeback. Milli Alli struck a brace, while Mani Dieseruvwe added a third to secure a famous victory to condemn Wrexham to their first defeat in 13 matches in all competitions.

It is a result that moves Ryan Reynolds’ men down to second in the National League following Notts County’s 3-0 win over Wealdstone. The Red Dragons are level on points with Notts but have a game in hand.

Wrexham, who were backed by over 4000 travelling fans, started the brighter of the two sides and almost opened the scoring through Paul Mullin. The forward got on the end of a cross but steered his acrobatic effort wide.

Despite some early pressure from the visitors, it was Halifax who created the first clear-cut chance. Alli drove through midfield and to the edge of the box before forcing Ben Foster into a smart stop.

However, just as Halifax were building some pressure, Wrexham took the lead in the 33rd minute against the run of play. A long diagonal pass found Mullin, who ran in behind before laying the ball off to Lee just outside the edge of the area. The former Luton ace did the rest, jinking past his marker and drilling a terrific effort low into the corner.

Wrexham celebrate after scoring against Halifax (

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It was a strike of pure class and showed why Lee has over 150 Football League appearances to his name. Wrexham began to dominate and should have scored a second before the break.

James Jones saw two shots well-saved by Halifax goalkeeper Sam Johnson, while Jordan Tunnicliffe crashed a header off the crossbar as the Red Dragons went into half-time with a slender lead.

And Parkinson’s men were made to pay for their missed chances. Halifax levelled on 48 minutes as Alli, who was terrific all game, dribbled past his man before firing a low effort into the bottom corner, beyond the hapless Foster.

4000 Wrexham fans travelled to Halifax (

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Wrexham and their travelling contigent were shell-shocked and could not believe it. They kept their composure and didn’t panic, creating opportunities and having the lion share of possession. Andy Cannon came close on 63 as his strike was saved by Johnson, before Lee conjured a chance for himself but couldn’t test the Halifax ‘keeper.

However, it was Halifax who turned the game on its head, however, as they added a second and sent shockwaves across the National League. Alli was at it once again as he jinked onto his favoured left foot and smashed the ball into the back of the neat, past Foster, who may have been frustrated after being beaten at his near post.

The home faithful were in dreamland and they didn’t sit back and protect their lead. The Shaymen felt they could add another and build on their advantage, with Alli at the heart of everything they did well.

And Alli played a massive role in Halifax’s third with 10 minutes to play. Dieseruvwe, who scored for Grimsby in Wrexham’s 5-4 play-off final defeat at the end of last season, haunted them once again with a terrific finish as he drilled the ball into the corner, leaving Foster with no chance.