Dragons And Salford Joint Top Of National League

Wrexham are joint top of the Vanarama National League, alongside Salford City, after their 2-1 win against Dagenham and Redbridge at Victoria Field in London.

Luke Young and Luke Summerfield scored the goals for manager Sam Ricketts’ Dragons, while forward Stuart Beavon was man of the match.

Salford City remain top on goal difference after their 2-2 home draw against bottom club Braintree, while Leyton Orient finished goalless against Hartlepool at home.

Dagenham and Redbridge FC

Harrogate, who play Wrexham at home in the Emirates FA Cup next Saturday, were held to a 2-2 draw by Dover, who have new manager Andy Hessenthaler in charge.

Wrexham went in at half-time stunned by a late Dagenham equaliser, scoring during injury time.

It was the first goal conceded by the Dragons in almost eight hours football and came at a dramatic moment.

Luke Young smashed home his first goal since February two minutes before half-time and Wrexham were on a high, but their run of four consecutive clean sheets ended almost immediately.

There was no danger when the ball was lifted into the penalty area and goalkeeper Rob Lainton moved to collect.

He has been impeccable so far this season, but suffered a lapse and the ball slipped from his grasp and ran between his legs. Brad Walker and Shaun Pearson both tried to clear, but the ball slowly crossed the line and Walker was adjudged to have had the last touch.

That was a massive blow for Wrexham because it had appeared there was no danger when the Daggers attacked.

Wrexham defender Manny Smith, ruled out by injury along with James Jennings and Chris Holroyd. Pic: Getty Images.

Captain Shaun Pearson was strong and solid at the heart of defence, a defender who plays a key role for his team. In 61 matches with Pearson in the line-up, Wrexham have conceded only 43 goals.

Stuart Beavon, a 34-year-old striker signed on loan from Coventry City, was a potent threat for the visitors and won virtually every aerial challenge for Wrexham.

Their goal, scored by Young, was an absolute beauty with the chance created by Rekeil Pyke. Dagenham like to push their full-backs forward and Wrexham took advantage with Wright finding space.

Wrexham’s Mike Fondup with a Dragons’ fan. Pic: Wrexham FC.

Daggers players raced back and closed down Pyke, but the 21-year-old winger turned back and slipped a pass for Young, who took a couple of touches before firing into the top corner from 25 yards.

The own goal ensured the teams went in at half-time with the score 1-1, but Wrexham went close soon after the break.

Akil Wright powered in a shot which goalkeeper Elliott Justham tipped onto the bar and the ball flew upwards and out of the ground.

Soon after Wright did well and worked the ball in for Beavon, but the experienced striker could not quite get a touch in front of goal.

Wrexham did regain the lead at 2-1 after 67 minutes when referee David Rock penalised the home team for a trip in the penalty area and Luke Summerfield scored from the spot.

The scene at Victoria Field before the second half of Dagenham and Redbridge v Wrexham.

There was one more chance for the visitors when substitute Paul Rutherford lifted the ball towards goal, but Dagenham’s Liam Gordon cleared off the line.

The Daggers are in the relegation zone and threw themselves at Wrexham when they had the chance, the well organised and disciplined Wrexham team stayed strong and earned the away with without playing at their best.

Dagenham & Redbridge: Justham, Nunn (Kandi 79), Gordon, Robinson, Pennell, McQueen (Reynolds 56), Romain, W Wright, Harfield (Munns 56), Bellamy, Mullings. Subs not used: Moore, Hoyte.

Wrexham: Lainton, Roberts, Lawlor (A Wright 41), Pearson, Carrington, Summerfield, Walker, Young, Pyke, Maguire-Drew (Fondop 61), Beavon (Rutherford 77). Subs not used: Dibble, Deverdics.

Referee: David Rock (Herts)

Attendance: 1,601 (321 away)

Vanarama National League