The Baggies produced a remarkable comeback at the Racecourse Ground as Aune Heggebø’s dramatic winner secured a thrilling victory over Wrexham and all three points for James Morrison’s side.
After heading into the contest on the back of two disappointing derby day defeats, the Baggies showed tremendous character, determination and fighting spirit to turn the game around and claim a much-needed victory in North Wales. It was the perfect response from Albion, who refused to give up and were rewarded for their efforts with a memorable away triumph. The result also saw the Baggies climb to fourth in the Championship table, providing a huge confidence boost as Morrison’s men look to build momentum and push towards the promotion places.
A Quiet First Half at the Racecourse
The opening 45 minutes were far from a classic, with neither side really managing to take control of proceedings. Wrexham looked the more threatening of the two teams in the early stages, with George Dobson testing Max O’Leary, although the Albion goalkeeper was comfortably positioned to make the save.
The hosts continued to pose a threat from set pieces, particularly through former Cardiff City striker Kieffer Moore, who proved a handful for the Albion defence. Moore came close on a couple of occasions, with O’Leary producing an excellent save to deny his powerful header shortly before the interval.
Albion, meanwhile, enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to create anything meaningful in the final third. Barney Stewart almost found himself through on goal following a promising attacking move, only for Wrexham goalkeeper Anthony Patterson to rush off his line and deny the youngster.
It was a frustrating opening period for Morrison’s side, who headed into the break with the scores level at 0-0 and plenty of room for improvement.
Albion Improve but Moore Produces a Moment of Magic
The Baggies came out with much greater attacking intent after the restart and immediately looked more dangerous going forward.
Isaac Price had an early opportunity to break the deadlock when he found himself unmarked at the back post, but his volley was kept out by Patterson. George Campbell then came agonisingly close to putting Albion ahead when his header clipped the crossbar following a corner.
However, despite Albion’s improved performance, it was Wrexham who struck first in spectacular fashion.
In the 64th minute, Kieffer Moore picked up possession around 30 yards from goal before unleashing an outstanding curling effort into the top corner, leaving O’Leary with absolutely no chance.
It was a stunning strike from the Welsh international and a bitter blow for the Baggies, who had looked the more likely side to score since the restart.
With Albion trailing 1-0 and having already suffered consecutive derby defeats against Wolves and Birmingham, supporters could have been forgiven for fearing another disappointing evening.
But Morrison’s side had other ideas.
Price Sparks a Remarkable Comeback
With time beginning to run out, Morrison turned to his substitutes in search of a response, introducing Jimmy-Jay Morgan and Aune Heggebø in the 76th minute.
Just three minutes later, Albion were back on level terms.
Morgan played an important part in the equaliser as his delivery took a deflection and fell kindly to Isaac Price at the back post. The Northern Ireland international made absolutely no mistake, firing the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-1.
It was a huge moment for the Baggies, who had finally found the breakthrough their second-half performance deserved.
Suddenly, the momentum had completely shifted. Albion had gone from staring at a third successive defeat to sensing an opportunity to snatch all three points.
And they weren’t finished there.
Heggebø Completes the Turnaround
Just five minutes after Price’s equaliser, Albion completed a remarkable comeback through substitute Aune Heggebø.
This time, Price turned provider, delivering the ball into the Norwegian striker, who showed excellent composure to steer home from close range in the 84th minute.
Cue wild celebrations among the travelling Albion supporters, who had witnessed their side completely turn the contest on its head in the space of five minutes.
It was a brilliant moment for Heggebø, particularly after his frustrating afternoon against Birmingham, when he had struck the post with the scores level.
The striker had only been on the pitch for eight minutes before making the decisive contribution, demonstrating exactly why Morrison had turned to him from the bench.
Wrexham pushed forward desperately in search of a late equaliser, but Albion stood firm during the closing stages to secure a memorable 2-1 victory.
Morrison’s Substitutions Make the Difference
James Morrison deserves plenty of credit for the way his side responded, particularly after falling behind to Moore’s outstanding strike.
The introduction of Morgan and Heggebø proved crucial, with both players playing significant roles in turning the game around.
Morgan’s involvement helped create the equaliser, while Heggebø delivered the winning goal just minutes after entering the action.
Isaac Price also deserves enormous praise for his contribution. Having come close earlier in the second half, he showed tremendous quality to score the equaliser before producing the assist for Heggebø’s winner.
It was a performance that demonstrated Albion’s resilience and determination, two qualities that had been desperately needed following their recent disappointments.
Max O’Leary Delivers Once Again
Another player deserving recognition is Max O’Leary, who continued his encouraging run of performances between the sticks.
Having been one of Albion’s standout performers during the defeats to Wolves and Birmingham, the goalkeeper once again produced some important saves, particularly during the opening half.
His excellent reaction save to deny Moore’s header shortly before the interval ensured Albion remained on level terms heading into the break.
Although there was little he could do about Moore’s spectacular opening goal, O’Leary remained composed and helped Albion see out the closing stages.
It was another positive display from the goalkeeper, who is continuing to establish himself as an important figure in Morrison’s side.
Final Thoughts – A Massive Three Points for the Baggies
What a difference a few days can make in football!
After suffering two bitter derby defeats, Albion desperately needed a response, and although it wasn’t always pretty, they delivered one in dramatic fashion.
The first-half performance left plenty to be desired, and falling behind to Moore’s wonder strike could easily have knocked the confidence of a side already hurting from recent results.
However, the Baggies showed tremendous character to fight their way back into the contest, with Price and Heggebø producing two decisive moments to turn the game around.
Morrison’s substitutions played a major role in the victory, while O’Leary’s contributions at the other end should not be overlooked.
Most importantly, Albion have returned to winning ways and climbed to fourth in the Championship table, providing a significant boost ahead of their next fixture against Blackburn Rovers at The Hawthorns.
There are still areas that need improving, particularly in the attacking third, but this was exactly the kind of result Albion needed.
Full-time: Wrexham 1-2 West Bromwich Albion.
I’m starting to think my pre-match pie is becoming Albion’s lucky charm! 🥧😂 Every time I’ve managed to get a signal and post a picture of my pie on Facebook before an away game, the Baggies have gone on to win! Coincidence? I’m beginning to think not!
So a massive thank you to Wrexham for providing free Wi-Fi at the Racecourse Ground, allowing me to get that all-important pie post uploaded before kick-off! From 1-0 down to 2-1 winners in the space of just five minutes, what a remarkable comeback and what a brilliant response from Morrison’s Baggies following two disappointing derby defeats. Three massive points, and I think I’ll have to keep this pie tradition going for the rest of the season!
And one final thing to all the Aune Heggebø haters and doubters out there… FEED THE HEGG AND HE WILL SCORE!⚽🔥
Goalscorers for Wrexham: Kieffer Moore
Goalscorers for West Brom: Isaac Price, Aune Heggebo