Match report

Blackburn Defeats Wrexham 4-1 in FA Cup Thriller

Blackburn
Blackburn
4–1
FT
Wrexham
Wrexham
Jan 29, 2024

Blackburn overwhelmed League Two side Wrexham in the FA Cup third round, securing a commanding 4-1 win. The Lilywhites' victory was built on early resilience and clinical finishing, despite conceding an early goal to Wrexham's Cannon. Key players like Szmodics and Gallagher led Blackburn to the win with their goals and assists.

Key Facts

  • • Wrexham took a surprise lead through A. Cannon (19') assisted by S. Dalby
  • • Blackburn equalized quickly via S. Szmodics (32') with an assist from S. Gallagher
  • • S. Gallagher scored for Blackburn to give them the lead at 34'
  • • Szmodics extended Blackburn's advantage in first-half stoppage time, scoring his second goal of the match
  • • Blackburn sealed their victory through a late goal by Sondre Tronstad (59')

Lineups

Blackburn

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 1 A. Pears (G)
  • 11 J. Rankin-Costello (D)
  • 5 D. Hyam (D)
  • 16 S. Wharton (D)
  • 10 T. Dolan (M)
  • 30 J. Garrett (M)
  • 6 S. Tronstad (M)
  • 7 A. Sigurðsson (M)
  • 24 A. Moran (F)
  • 8 S. Szmodics (F)
  • 9 S. Gallagher (F)

Substitutes

  • 44 Y. Ayari
  • 33 S. Telalović
  • 45 B. Chrisene
  • 31 T. Atcheson
  • 18 D. Markanday
  • 23 A. Wharton
  • 15 P. Gamble
  • 14 N. Ennis
  • 12 L. Wahlstedt

Wrexham

Formation: 3-5-2

Starting XI

  • 33 A. Okonkwo (G)
  • 32 M. Cleworth (D)
  • 4 B. Tozer (D)
  • 15 E. O'Connell (D)
  • 29 R. Barnett (M)
  • 20 A. Cannon (M)
  • 12 G. Evans (M)
  • 38 E. Lee (M)
  • 23 J. McClean (M)
  • 10 P. Mullin (F)
  • 18 S. Dalby (F)

Substitutes

  • 19 J. Mendy
  • 30 J. Jones
  • 6 J. Tunnicliffe
  • 9 O. Palmer
  • 27 J. Bickerstaff
  • 7 J. Davies
  • 31 L. McNicholas
  • 5 A. Hayden
  • 3 C. McFadzean

Timeline

  1. Wrexham
    19' Wrexham Goal · Normal Goal
    A. Cannon · Assist: S. Dalby
  2. Blackburn
    32' Blackburn Goal · Normal Goal
    S. Szmodics · Assist: S. Gallagher
  3. Blackburn
    34' Blackburn Goal · Normal Goal
    S. Gallagher · Assist: A. Sigurdsson
  4. Blackburn
    45'+1 Blackburn Goal · Normal Goal
    S. Szmodics · Assist: Sondre Tronstad
  5. Blackburn
    51' Blackburn Card · Yellow Card
    J. Garrett

    Foul

  6. Blackburn
    59' Blackburn Goal · Normal Goal
    Sondre Tronstad · Assist: S. Gallagher
  7. Blackburn
    65' Blackburn subst · Substitution 1
    Off: J. Garrett · On: Y. Ayari
  8. Blackburn
    65' Blackburn subst · Substitution 2
    Off: S. Gallagher · On: S. Telalovic
  9. Blackburn
    65' Blackburn subst · Substitution 3
    Off: T. Dolan · On: B. Chrisene
  10. Wrexham
    69' Wrexham subst · Substitution 1
    Off: R. Barnett · On: J. Mendy
  11. Wrexham
    69' Wrexham subst · Substitution 2
    Off: A. Cannon · On: J. Jones
  12. Wrexham
    69' Wrexham subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Eoghan O'Connell · On: Jordan Tunnicliffe
  13. Wrexham
    78' Wrexham subst · Substitution 4
    Off: P. Mullin · On: O. Palmer
  14. Wrexham
    78' Wrexham subst · Substitution 5
    Off: S. Dalby · On: J. Bickerstaff
  15. Blackburn
    83' Blackburn subst · Substitution 4
    Off: J. Rankin-Costello · On: T. Atcheson
  16. Blackburn
    89' Blackburn subst · Substitution 5
    Off: A. Sigurdsson · On: D. Markanday

Match Stats

Stat Blackburn Wrexham
Fouls 7 6
Pass Accuracy 90% 75%
Offsides 1 0
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 18 9
Corners 2 2
Total Passes 752 343
Yellow Cards 1 0
Blocked Shots 2 1
Shots on Target 8 5
xG — —
Shots off Target 8 3
Possession 68% 32%
Accurate Passes 674 258
Shots Inside Box 14 3
Saves 4 3
Shots Outside Box 4 6

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ After conceding an early goal to Wrexham, Blackburn responded within minutes with two quick goals from Szmodics and Gallagher to take control of the game.
  • ▸ The introduction of several substitutions towards the end of the match by both teams did not alter the momentum significantly as Blackburn maintained their lead.