Max Cleworth struck in the fifth minute of added time to salvage a 1-1 draw for Wrexham against Blackburn Rovers at the SToK Cae Ras, preserving the hosts' eight-match unbeaten run in the Championship. For so long it appeared that Andri Gudjohnsen's early header would hand Blackburn another impressive away victory, but a late set-piece saw Cleworth divert Nathan Broadhead's effort beyond Aynsley Pears to spark wild celebrations in north Wales.
This was the first league meeting between the sides since March 1982 and it nearly ended in a statement Rovers win, after Gudjohnsen's 13th-minute strike not only put them ahead but also ended Wrexham's run of 375 minutes without conceding in the league. Blackburn created the clearer chances for much of the contest but failed to add a second, and Wrexham, disjointed before the break but vastly improved after it, finally made their late pressure count in a finale that left home boss Phil Parkinson satisfied and visiting manager Valerien Ismael simmering about the decisive free-kick award.
Gudjohnsen pierces Wrexham's proud defence
Parkinson had warned his players before kick-off about the dangers of complacency against a Blackburn side that have been notably clinical and effective on their travels. He made two changes to the team that beat Bristol City 2-0, bringing in Lewis O'Brien and Matty James for George Dobson and George Thomason. Ismael, meanwhile, responded to a 1-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers with a single alteration, introducing experienced midfielder Adam Forshaw for Kristi Montgomery.