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Sammie Szmodics scored two goals as Blackburn Rovers overcame an early deficit to defeat Wrexham, who are currently performing well in the Sky Bet League Two, by a score of 4-1 at Ewood Park. This win secures a spot for Blackburn in the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they will face Newcastle at the same location.
The away team, who were victorious against Coventry and tied with Sheffield United in the previous season’s tournament, seemed to be heading for a surprise win when Andy Cannon scored in the 19th minute, prompting a loud cheer from the more than 7,000 traveling fans.
However, Blackburn quickly retaliated with goals from Szmodics and Sam Gallagher within a short time after the 30-minute mark, effectively changing the course of the game.
Szmodics, the top scorer in the Championship this season with 16 goals, also scored a hat-trick in the 5-2 win against Cambridge in the third round. He then added his second goal of the night before halftime, and Sondre Tronstad sealed the victory in the second half.
The team led by Jon Dahl Tomasson, a former Newcastle forward, received a positive boost by securing a spot in the cup. However, their current position in the second division is 18th place and they have not won any of their last seven league games.
Wrexham, led by Phil Parkinson and currently ranked second in League Two, continue their efforts to achieve consecutive promotions as they gain attention from the public due to being owned by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Szmodics had an opportunity to give Blackburn the lead in the third minute, but his shot missed the target. Shortly after, he attempted a shot from the right side of the box that went past goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, but Wrexham captain Ben Tozer was there to make the clearance.
Jake Garrett made a few more attempts for the hosts before Wrexham started to put some pressure on. Aynsley Pears caught a header from Sam Dalby and a free-kick from Paul Mullin.
Shortly after, there was excitement among the loud away fans as Red Dragons took the lead. Cannon received a pass from Dalby and shot the ball past Pears.
They came close to quickly scoring another goal as Pears blocked Cannon’s shot, then made a great save to tip over James McClean’s follow-up shot.
After being shaken, Blackburn responded with a goal in the 32nd minute when Szmodics scored from Gallagher’s assist.
Two minutes later, they took the lead when Okonkwo’s mistake was capitalized on. The goalkeeper rushed out of his area, leaving Tozer vulnerable to Gallagher, who easily scored into the net.
The home team increased their lead just before halftime when Szmodics received Tronstad’s pass and calmly scored, gesturing to quiet the opposing supporters.
In the 60th minute, Tronstad scored a goal after Gallagher’s attempted shot. The ball ended up at the feet of the Norwegian player and his shot ricocheted off Elliot Lee before going into the net.
As the game appeared to be in favor of Wrexham, Lee made an attempt from his own half that unfortunately missed the target. Later, substitute James Jones took a shot from a low angle that was saved by the goalkeeper.
Szmodics had an opportunity to score three goals in the final moments, but his shot was stopped by Okonkwo.
Source: independent.co.uk
