West Brom beat Wrexham to maintain winning start

Isaac Price (middle) started his professional career with Everton

West Bromwich Albion maintained their winning start to the Championship season with an impressive win at newly promoted Wrexham.

Isaac Price swept home his second goal in as many Championship games after Tom Fellows beat James McClean on the wing to give Ryan Mason's side the lead on 20 minutes.

But after McClean and Kieffer Moore both went close moments earlier, Phil Parkinson's side levelled proceedings two minutes before half-time as the Baggies failed to clear from Moore's cross, with O'Brien lashing into the net for his first Wrexham goal since joining from Nottingham Forest.

One concern for Parkinson was the premature withdrawal of Josh Windass - scorer of Wrexham's goal in the 2-1 defeat by Southampton last weekend - who suffered what appeared to be a hamstring injury in the opening half.

Club record signing Nathan Broadhead was subsequently introduced for his debut after completing a switch from Ipswich Town - with the Wales international guiding an effort inches wide shortly after the restart.

Summer signing Conor Coady also went close for the home side with a header midway through the second half.

But Jed Wallace's drilled strike beat Danny Ward at the near post as the Baggies restored their lead following a strong spell at the Stok Cae Ras.

Price nodded Mikey Johnston's cross beyond Ward in the 81st minute, although substitute Sam Smith set up a tense finish with a 95th-minute header from Ryan Longman's cross.

But West Brom held on to ensure they made it two wins from two at the start of a league campaign for the first time since the 2017-18 season.

Wrexham remain without a point having lost their first two league fixtures in what is their first second-tier campaign since 1981-82.

Wrexham co-owners Rob McElhenney (L) and Ryan Reynolds purchased Wrexham in February 2021

What was the main talking point?

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were both in attendance for Wrexham's first home second-tier fixture since 1982.

The Wrexham co-owners have overseen three successive promotions - but they were given a blunt reminder as to the quality that teams throughout this level possess, and the ruthless nature that comes with that.

As they did at Southampton a week ago, Wrexham showed they can be competitive and created numerous chances - but this is comfortably the biggest step up of their remarkable journey so far.

From a West Brom perspective, they are showing they can be serious top-six contenders this season having earned back-to-back league victories.

Which player stood out?

On his home debut, Kieffer Moore demonstrated how integral he will be to Parkinson's style of play.

But Tom Fellows and Isaac Price deserve immense praise for their efforts in north Wales.

Fellows gave McClean a real hard time on Wrexham's left flank and provided guile and quality throughout.

As for former Everton man Price, he twice evaded the Wrexham defence to net a brace - taking his league tally to three goals after just two matches.

What's next?

Wrexham are back on home soil next time out as they host Sheffield Wednesday in north Wales on 23 August (15:00 BST) - with West Brom welcoming Portsmouth to The Hawthorns at the same kick-off time.

What they said

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson said:

"I think between both boxes we were decent, we showed good control in our play with and without the ball.

"But the game was won and lost in both boxes. The goals we conceded today were too soft, it's as simple as that.

"We've just handed them goals today by not dealing with the situation. Football never changes, it's about what happens in and around the boxes."

West Bromwich Albion head coach Ryan Mason said:

"I thought we were excellent. We deserved to win the game and it's been a hell of a long time (November 10, 2024 - 2-1 at Hull City) since we won away from home in this league.

"It's very nice to get that feeling inside the changing room.

"We came here with the right mindset and willingness to get a victory. We stood up as a team and as a squad."