Wrexham 3-0 York City: Ben Foster keeps clean sheet as leaders triumph

Former England goalkeeper Ben Foster kept a clean sheet on his second Wrexham debut as the National League leaders beat York City 3-0.

Wrexham’s opener came late in the first half when James Jones’ shot hit the bar and went in off keeper Ryan Whitley.

Sam Dalby headed in Ben Tozer’s long throw to double the lead before Elliot Lee’s late third registered Wrexham’s 100th league goal of the season.

The win keeps Wrexham three points clear at the top of the table.

Foster, 39, made second-half saves from Ryan Fallowfield and Mitch Hancox in his first appearance since coming out of retirement earlier this week to rejoin Wrexham, who he played for on loan in 2005.

Second-placed Notts County beat lowly Scunthorpe to maintain pressure on Wrexham, although Phil Parkinson’s men have a game in hand.

Wrexham’s Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were part of a 10,161 crowd at The Racecourse, the Welsh side’s highest gate of the season.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson:

“The pitch was slow because of the weather and the fluency at times wasn’t quite there. I still felt we created enough in the opening exchanges to get the goal.

“I sensed something would come. It’s a fantastic strike from James Jones to get us off and running and it was a good solid performance against a well-organised team.

“We kept our cool and handled the situation well and have come away convincing winners.

“It was always a big call whether to play Ben Foster because he hasn’t played for so long. He was 100% adamant he was ready.

“What a great day for us – that’s the big thing, that he’s come through the game in terrific fashion. He was excellent.”