Wrexham commenced their Australian tour with a decisive 3-0 victory over Melbourne Victory at Marvel Stadium. The match marked a successful debut for new signing Ryan Hardie, who scored after coming on as a substitute at halftime. The Scottish striker, who joined Wrexham from Plymouth Argyle, played a crucial role in the team’s performance as they prepare for their long-awaited return to the English Championship.
The match opened with an energetic first half, during which Tom O’Connor gave Wrexham the lead with an impressive goal in the 42nd minute. O’Connor capitalized on a mistake from Victory’s goalkeeper, Jack Duncan, who failed to handle a cross effectively, allowing O’Connor to slot in a first-time shot from just inside the penalty area. The goal came in front of a lively crowd, setting the stage for an exciting contest.
Wrexham’s dominance continued after halftime, with Hardie finding the net in the 66th minute. Following a low cross from Ryan Barnett, Hardie was perfectly positioned to poke the ball home, doubling Wrexham’s advantage. His goal underscored the attacking prowess Wrexham hopes to showcase in the upcoming Championship season.
George Evans sealed the victory with a long-range shot that found its way past Victory’s substitute goalkeeper, Daniel Graskoski, who struggled to keep the effort out. Evans celebrated the goal with a playful gesture, mimicking an Australian Football League (AFL) goal umpire, much to the delight of local fans.
Despite the scoreline, Melbourne Victory’s youthful squad showcased determination and skill. Louis D’Arrigo came closest to scoring for the hosts, striking the crossbar with a volley shortly after the second half began. The Victory players demonstrated resilience against a more experienced Wrexham side, with opportunities from Brazilian winger Santos and Zinedine Machach forcing Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo into action during the first half.
The match served as an important step for Wrexham, who will face Sydney FC on July 11 before concluding their tour against Wellington Phoenix on July 19. This friendly marks Wrexham’s preparation for their first season in England’s second tier since 1982, following three consecutive promotions.
Wrexham’s midfield started strong, with Elliot Lee taking the first shot on target within 20 seconds, although it failed to trouble Duncan significantly. The goalkeeper demonstrated good reflexes throughout the match, notably tipping a header from Dan Scarr over the bar.
Both teams made significant substitutions at halftime, altering the dynamics on the pitch. Wrexham’s youth product, Harry Ashfield, nearly added to the scoreline with a header that also hit the crossbar, showcasing the depth of talent within the squad.
As the match came to a close, Hardie had to be withdrawn for the final moments due to a knock, but his contribution was already felt as Wrexham looks ahead to their upcoming challenges. The Red Dragons aim to build momentum from this victory as they transition into a new chapter of their history in the Championship.
