Sheffield United boss Chris Wilder heaps praise on Wrexham star Kieffer Moore following the Red Dragons 5-3 Championship win over the Blades.
What a turnaround, what a comeback! To every Dragon fan who missed the contest for whatever reason, you just had to be at the STōK Racecourse last night.
And no, I am not exaggerating even a bit when I say this. But Wrexham literally went from being the mood spoilers last matchday to being the blockbuster winners this time around.
Going from trailing 1-3 to 5-3 is no easy feat itself for a side that stood low on confidence, like Wrexham. That’s why the way they executed it in a pressure contest against a Sheffield side that’s been solid at the back demands extensive praise.
Well, winning against Chris Wilder’s side, you know, the manager’s honest and straightforward comments wouldn’t shy away from giving you the due credit. To say Parky’s long-old friend was on point with his post-match address wouldn’t be wrong even this time around.
Not only did Wilder praise the exceptional overall effort from Wrexham’s attack force, but he also didn’t hesitate to highlight his former targetman, Kieffer Moore.
Speaking to BBC Radio Sheffield(as quoted by Football Heaven), Wilder accepted: “We never dealt with their front three and we especially never dealt with Kieffer”.
Unequivocally, Phil Parkinson’s 3-1-4-2 that converted to a 3-upfront while going forward was key to unlocking the comeback last night. With Nathan Broadhead, Josh Windass and Kieffer Moore combining impeccably, Wrexham had the fans at their feet every single time they launched an attack.
But all other Wrexham players’ performances aside, and Kieffer Moore’s Boxing Day display aside. A performance so daunting, Chris Wilder’s bound to get more nightmares for this than when he lost the playoff final last season.
Moore’s brace added a new frontpage to Wilder’s memory
Reading this sub-headline would’ve made most Wrexham fans grin uncontrollably. Still, for those finding context, Sheffield boss Chris Wilder commented on Moore’s playoff final mistake just before their recent clash.
No, definitely, the Blades’ gaffer didn’t lookback at it frustrated. In fact, Moore’s former gaffer was more than respectful to forgive the 33-year-old and let him enter this matchday fresh.
Unfortunately for Sheffield and thankfully for Wrexham, this proved to be Wilder’s wildest pre-game mistake. Especially, how he wasn’t prepared for Moore’s plans for him on this special reunion contest.
Firstly, banging in a cross from George Thomason, the Welshman brought Wrexham back into the contest, which stood at 1-3. But while many would’ve thought it would go down as his only notable moment in this game, it was just the start.
Often originating some chances himself, while bringing in his physical advantage for Wrexham, Moore looked everywhere in Wrexham’s attack. Definitely, his efforts wouldn’t go to waste as he struck in the 4-3 winner in the 76th minute after toiling for it throughout the 2nd half.
It’s often pleasing to recall the good memories, but trauma comes unexpectedly and unseen. Well, that’s what Chris Wilder will experience now onwards, despite the sweet dugout moments he shared with Moore for the Blades.
Undoubtedly, no Wrexham fan ever had anything against Wilder himself, but they’d be all celebrating for Moore after the disrespect he was subjected to from Sheffield’s fanbase. And lo! With this ecstatic performance, Moore’s climbed up the top-scoring charts to the 2nd spot.
Having scored 10 times in 22 appearances this Championship season, Kieffer Moore is jointly tied with Derby’s Carlton Morris and Coventry’s Brandon Thomas-Asante for the runner-up spot.
Just one goal behind the lead scorers, Moore has his favourite opponent, Preston, on the next matchday to achieve it. Who knows, back-to-back braces are loading for the Welshman next?
