Wrexham 2-1 Portsmouth: Red Dragons bolster play-off hopes with hard-fought win

Both sides had half chances in the early stages, with the best opening falling to George Thomason following a slick counter attack, although the Wrexham left wing-back was well denied by Nicolas Schmid.

But the hosts went ahead in the 23rd minute as Smith rose to nod Callum Doyle’s curling cross back across goal and into the net.

Pompey enjoyed decent spells of possession but struggled to carry a threat as Schmid tipped Smith’s thumping strike over.

And Wrexham doubled their lead from the resulting corner, as George Dobson’s delivery was nodded into the net by defender Cleworth six minutes before the break.

John Mousinho’s men had been looking to secure three successive away league wins for the first time since midway through their title-winning 2023-24 League One campaign.

But they ended the opening half having failed to register a shot on target after Swanson’s 30-yard strike on the brink of the break sailed just over.

They were much-improved after the restart and pulled a goal back just four minutes into the second half as Swanson played a slick one-two with Regan Poole – and his subsequent shot struck Doyle before looping over the helpless Arthur Okonkwo.

Millenic Alli then had an effort blocked as Portsmouth continued to push for an equaliser – prompting Phil Parkinson to send on top scorer Kieffer Moore and Ollie Rathbone in attempt to regain some control.

After Wrexham had taken the sting out of the contest, Rathbone rifled an effort against the post before Thomason was denied by Schmid.

And the hosts managed the final stages in a professional manner to hold on for back-to-back wins and strengthen their grip on a top six spot.