Wrexham midfielder Lewis O’Brien explains that he was the one to make the final contact on the Reds’ 2-2 equaliser against West Brom on the road.
Not long ago, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson raised concerns about refereeing standards against his side. While he focused on the unpunished fouls on Sam Smith, his message was aimed at the broader standard of officiating in Wrexham games.
It remains to be seen whether the officials’ decision‑making improves, but in the meantime, a unique dispute is doing the rounds at Wrexham. There is confusion regarding the goalscorer in the Reds’ 2-2 equaliser against West Brom last week.
Wrexham’s 2-2 equaliser confusion
It’s no secret that Wrexham had a subpar first 45 minutes on their away trip to the Hawthorns. Having fallen 0-2 behind the relegation-threatened West Brom, every Wrexham action in the second-half fightback became worthy of celebration and noise.
One such notable incident was Wrexham’s 2-2 equaliser secured with an exceptional team effort. George Thomason played a pass back from the corner of the box to Callum Doyle. The cross specialist then delivered a beautiful ball to a charging Lewis O’Brien, who flicked it with his left foot.
Though the shot was self‑sufficient to find the net, George Dobson played a crucial role by distracting the West Brom keeper with a backheel feint to pretend to redirect the ball.
The hosts appealed for offside against Dobson, but replays showed he was onside after Lewis O’Brien’s touch. This way, George Dobson’s action served the purpose of tricking the keeper without even a touch being made.
O’Brien clears the air on Dobson’s goal
Although multiple replays had it clear that Dobson wasn’t the last one to touch the ball in the build-up, O’Brien has come to clarify the moment himself.
As quoted by the Leader Live, O’Brien mentioned, “Dobbo actually gave it to me. He said he didn’t touch it, and he said it on the pitch as well.”
Lewis O’Brien further added: “I think every app has give it to Dobbo but I’ll be trying to ring them all up and change it, definitely!”
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O’Brien’s claim that Dobson admitted to making no contact was well captured on camera. Immediately after the referee allowed the equaliser, George Dobson was seen pointing at O’Brien a couple of times to credit him for the crucial goal.
It remains a mystery why Google and nearly every football stats app have credited Dobson as the scorer. But Lewis O’Brien seems determined to have the matter resolved soon.
One possible reason for goal given to George Dobson
Given that Dobson himself credited O’Brien with the goal and O’Brien has clarified the moment, it’s puzzling that nearly every app has named Dobson as the scorer. However, one possible reasoning can be worked up for this situation.
It’s no secret that O’Brien has a reputation as a subpar finisher at Wrexham. Despite four goals this Championship campaign, he’s been documented firing 1v1 chances wide more often than not.
Perhaps it’s because of Lewis O’Brien’s finishing reputation that the apps found it more likely Dobson had executed the final backheel touch to put the ball in the net.
As a notable repercussion of the incident, George Dobson has been credited with his second goal of the season. Deployed in a deep midfield role, he’s far more likely to be seen on set‑piece deliveries than leading scoring opportunities.
What’s interesting is that Dobson’s previous goal this season also came in a draw. While it was a header that briefly put Wrexham ahead in a 1‑1 draw with Birmingham, his recently credited goal helped the Reds salvage a crucial point at West Brom.
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