IT has been some years since Wrexham were making headlines for causing FA Cup upsets but they claimed another scalp on Saturday at Griffin Park.
Arsenal and West Ham United were among the top flight clubs that Wrexham have overcome in the last 20 years and although Brentford don’t ply their trade in the Premier League, this will do down as another shock by the Reds based on respective league positions.
Wrexham thoroughly deserved their 1-0 win over the League One outfit in the second round as they made a mockery of their Conference status.
Brentford went into the game seventh in their division, just two points outside the play-off places, and started as big favourites to progress to the third round despite Wrexham topping their table.
But they were totally outplayed by Wrexham who deservedly caused a shock and ran out worthy winners, earning them a trip to Championship side Brighton and Hove Albion in the third round next month.
Brentford could not live with Wrexham in the first half and the Reds were rewarded for taking the game to the hosts by taking the lead in the 32nd minute.
And it was a goal worthy of winning any match as midfielder Jamie Tolley’s 20-yard drive found the top corner after Brentford only partially cleared a corner.
Tolley scored three goals in the opening seven matches but had been on a drought, with the last of those coming in the 2-0 win over Kidderminster Harriers on September 3. But he more than made up for that at Griffin Park.
Wrexham, to their credit, had more chances but had to settle for a 1-0 advantage at the interval, and they also made a bright start to the second half.
It was inevitable that with Brentford trailing, they would put Wrexham under more pressure as the second period progressed in a bid to get back into the game.
But resolute defending ensured they remained in the lead and progressed to the third round for the first time since the 2006-07 season.
The whole team deserves praise for keeping Brentford out, not just the back-four and goalkeeper Joslain Mayebi, and the fact Brentford did not seriously threaten a goal as time ran out sums up how well Wrexham performed.
The league and promotion remain the priority but there is no harm in Wrexham continuing their run in the competition as long as possible, with the financial rewards a huge bonus to the club.
Despite not playing a Conference match, Wrexham also remain top of the table on goal difference from Fleetwood Town ahead of tomorrow’s clash against third placed Southport at The Racecourse.
Wrexham go into the game unbeaten in 14 matches and high on confidence after beating Brentford, so hopefully they can continue their push for promotion by picking up another three points.
Player-manager Andy Morrell made four changes from the side that beat Darlington in the previous outing.
Centre-back Nat Knight-Percival returned to the side in place of Chris Westwood after serving a one match ban, while Lee Fowler, also back from suspension, took over from the injured Joe Clarke in midfield.
Tolley also came into midfield with Johnny Hunt dropping to the substitutes’ bench, while leading scorer Jake Speight was preferred to Morrell in attack.
The first scoring chance came Wrexham’s way after four minutes as Adrian Cieslewicz beat two men before screwing a shot wide, while Jay Harris also fired over after good work by Curtis Obeng.
Brentford came close after 17 minutes when Sam Saunders’ 25-yard free-kick was brilliantly tipped around the post by Mayebi.
Wrexham were straight back on the attack and Cieslewicz’s long range effort took a deflection but was comfortably saved by keeper Richard Lee.
Speight then found Cieslewicz who played a return pass but his strike partner failed to connect with the ball with just Lee to beat.
However, Wrexham took a 1-0 lead after 32 minutes.
Fowler’s ball into the area was only partially cleared following Neil Ashton’s corner and Tolley’s brilliant 20-yard drive sailed past Lee into the top corner.
Cieslewicz also cleared the bar with a decent half-chance which came from Mayebi’s long clearance, and the Reds also enjoyed a promising start to the second half.
Tolley’s cross was missed by keeper Lee but Wrexham were unable to capitalise and Danny Wright just failed to get a touch to Fowler’s free-kick.
Wrexham almost made it 2-0 on 50 minutes when Ashton’s corner was headed back across goal by Mark Creighton but Knight-Percival’s overhead kick fell narrowly wide of the post.
Cieslewicz also ran at goal and shot narrowly wide after Craig Woodman missed Ashton’s clearance, but Brentford then went on to enjoy their best passage of play as they pressed for an equaliser.
Gary Alexander headed straight at Mayebi from Shaleum Logan’s centre and substitute Niall McGinn’s drive was brilliantly turned around the post by the Reds’ keeper.
Brentford had come more into the game as the half progressed but fantastic defending by Wrexham ensured Mayebi did not have too much to do.
Fowler played in Cieslewicz at the other end after 72 minutes but the Pole was off target, while time was running out for Brentford and Mayebi failed to deal with Saunders’ late free-kick but Creighton was on hand to head behind for a corner.
There was to be no sting in the tail thanks to some fantastic defending from the whole side and Wrexham deservedly progressed to the third round.