Wrexham FC Win Cup Final – Match Report With Videos!

Wrexham FC capped off an historic first ever trip to Wembley by claiming the FA Trophy following a 4-1 penalty shoot out victory over Grimsby Town.

Having fallen behind to a second half strike from Andy Cook, the Dragons equalised via a Kevin Thornton penalty in the 82nd minute, forcing extra time.

As the Mariners tired, Wrexham created a multitude of goalscoring opportunities in extra time, but were unable to get past an inspired James McKeown in the Grimsby goal.

But Wrexham proved immaculate from the penalty spot, scoring all four of their spot kicks as their opponents crumbled with fatigue.

Jonny Hunt provided the crowning moment with the winning penalty, stroked beyond the impressive McKeown who had been a constant thorn in Wrexham’s game.

After a laborious first half in which both sides treated the showpiece occasion akin to a game of chess, Grimsby took the lead in the 70th minute. Joe Colbeck sped down the right wing before cutting back to an unmarked Andy Cook, lurking at the edge of the Wrexham penalty area.

His first effort was clawed away by Chris Maxwell in goal but he contrived only to palm it into Cook’s path, who made no mistake as he slammed home the rebound.

To Wrexham’s credit they did not balk from conceding, and with 20 minutes remaining they piled forward. Their reward arrived with eight minutes remaining as substitute Adrian Cieslewicz sped into the penalty area before finding Dean Keates, who glided into the area before being brought down by a combination of Ian Miller and Shaun Pearson.

Step forward Kevin Thornton, the Ginger Paul Scholes of non-league football, who stroked the resulting penalty down to the keeper’s right hand side, sending him the wrong way in the process.

After a laboured extra time, Wrexham were denied by an inspired one handed save by McKeown, who smothered an audacious effort from Cieslewicz from all of 35 yards, which was destined for the bottom corner.

In the second quarter, with Grimsby out on their feet, Wrexham sensed blood.

Cieslewicz was at the centre of everything as Wrexham dominated the second period, producing more top-draw saves from McKeown before Danny Wright forced the ‘keeper into palming his shot against the foot of the post.

Though the Dragons comprehensively overwhelmed and outplayed Grimsby as the game wore on, there was no getting through an obdurate McKeown.

But as penalties loomed, Wrexham’s steel and resilience shone through. Cieslewicz sent McKeown the wrong way, before Sam Hatton struck the post.

Up stepped Danny Wright, who belied his ailing legs and nonchalantly stroked the ball home. Richard Brodie spooned his effort over the bar, giving Wrexham a comfortable lead, which was increased by a textbook finish from Chris Westwood.

Joe Colbeck thumped his penalty down the middle before Johnny Hunt stepped up to provide the finishing touch, and crown off a jubilant finale at Wembley.

The Penalty Shoot Out Video:

The Players Parade The Trophy: