Wrexham drop to third after last-gasp Charlton penalty

Oct 26, 2024, 12:58 pm

Wrexham saw a last-gasp penalty decision go against them as Charlton Athletic earned a 2-2 draw on Saturday to leave the Hollywood-owned side outside of League One's automatic promotion places.

Wrexham took the lead in the 16th minute after Charlton failed to deal with Tom O'Connor's free-kick from the right hand side, before it bounced in off Connor Coventry much to the delight of the travelling fans.

Coventry almost make immediate amends, forcing Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo into a fine save, but Charlton didn't need to wait long for their goal as Macauley Gillesphey looped a header over the ailing Okonkwo from the resulting corner.

With Charlton in the ascendancy and Okonkwo forced to make several good saves, the Welsh club's manager Phil Parkinson turned to Andy Cannon on his bench and the midfielder delivered almost instantly.

Wrexham's Andy Cannon looked to have done enough to win the game until Charlton's late penalty.
Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images

Paul Mullin's shot was blocked in the area by some resolute Charlton defending, only for Cannon to react first and fire home.

That looked to be enough to secure all three points and close the gap on league leaders Birmingham City, who were held by Mansfield Town

However, in the 97th minute, the referee blew for a Charlton penalty for a handball, with the spot-kick expertly finished by Matty Godden to leave Wrexham below both Tom Brady's Birmingham and Wycombe Wanderers having played a game more than both.

Birmingham have 29 points, four more than the team owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, while Wycombe have 26.

Charlton are 11th on 19 points.