Wrexham 1-0 Oxford United: Nathan Broadhead goal earns 10-man hosts victory

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson called for a focus on delivering a quality performance after Saturday’s setback at Stoke City, and even a delay to the kick-off due to a power cut could not prevent the hosts from making a fast start.

Liberato Cacace fired at Cumming from a tight angle inside the opening minute to set the tone.

Goalkeeper Cumming then handled a Cameron Brannagan back pass to give Wrexham an indirect free-kick in the Oxford penalty area – with Cacace’s shot being blocked.

The home side’s pressure told on 14 minutes as Matty James’ corner was volleyed by Kieffer Moore, and the ball fell kindly to the striker’s Wales team-mate Broadhead whose strike was too strong for Cumming.

Gary Rowett’s men needed a spark, and Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo reacted well to stoop low and palm away a Stanley Mills strike.

But that was as bright as it got for Oxford as Wrexham – who saw Moore and Callum Doyle have headed efforts late on – deservedly led at the break.

The opening stages of the second half followed the theme of the first 45 minutes, although the visitors slowly grew in confidence as Will Vaulks drilled over from 25 yards out.

Oxford were given a lifeline midway through the second half as Doyle was shown a straight red card for a sliding challenge on Siriki Dembele.

Substitute Will Lankshear, who was flagged offside, headed against the crossbar from the resulting free-kick as Oxford looked to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Josh Windass was relieved to see his header from Brannagan’s deflected free-kick sail over the crossbar as the nerves of the home fans were left shredded.

Wrexham almost sealed victory in the final minute, although Cumming spectacularly tipped Sam Smith’s strike on to the crossbar before denying the forward from the resulting corner.

But they saw out a tense six minutes of added time to earn a crucial three points to end their home hoodoo and leave Oxford hovering above the bottom three.