Wellington Phoenix academy striker Luke Flowerdew has etched his name into folklore after his second-half strike was enough to claim a 1-0 win over Wrexham in their pre-season friendly.
Ryan Lee’s cross was bobbled by Wrexham keeper Arthur Okonkwo and Flowerdew, 19, pounced on the loose ball to tap homethe winner in the 49th minute, as the Phoenix claimed their first win at Sky Stadium since December 28 in front of 25,399 fans.
”It’s really an incredible feeling and we put in a performance and I was lucky to come up with a goal," Flowerdew told TVNZ.
“I was in the right place at the right time, and I saw the ball pop up and I just had to get something on it, and I did.
“I was expecting the keeper to get it, but as a striker, you just got to be there when it matters and I was.”
The Phoenix were massive underdogs heading into the contest as they were without four first-choice players in Corban Piper, Tim Payne, Paulo Retre and captain Alex Rufer, but they defied the odds to beat the historic Welsh club, currently owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Red Dragons dominated possession and created the better chances out of the two sides but lacked the killer instinct they will need if they’re to succeed in their first campaign in 43 years in the Championship, the second tier of English football, with their season kicking off on August 9 against Southampton.
In the first half, Isaac Hughes was impressive in the home defence, Luke Brooke-Smith proved a handful for the Wrexham defence and the Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was forced to make some tough saves.
Phoenix forward Luke Brooke-Smith in action against Wrexham. Photo / Photosport
At halftime, the Phoenix changed all their outfield players with their academy players entering the field and it didn’t take long for Flowerdew to send the Phoenix fans into a frenzy with his goal.
Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer had a goal ruled out in the 80th minute for a handball, as the Phoenix fans took their shirts off in traditional fashion.
The young Phoenix squad defended their hearts out to secure the win.
The result caps off a disappointing tour for Wrexham, who beat Melbourne Victory 3-0 before losing 2-1 to Sydney FC.
Wrexham, one of the oldest football clubs in the world, formed in 1864, became famous in 2021 when the club was purchased by Reynolds and McElhenney.
At the time, they were playing in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. They have since secured three straight promotions.
