Tom O’Connor backed to bag more goals for Wrexham after scoring winner in FA Cup clash and ending drought
Tom O'Connor of Wrexham and Ryan Bowman of Shrewsbury Town during the A Cup third-round clash at The Croud Meadow on January 7, 2024 in Shrewsbury, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Baylis - AMA/Getty Images)
Former Ireland U-21 cap Tom O’Connor has been backed to deliver more goals for Wrexham after his strike helped the Welsh club into the next round of the FA Cup.
A deflected strike from Kilkenny native O’Connor was the only goal of the game as Wrexham won away to close rivals Shrewsbury Town, a relief for Wrexham to get into the fourth round but also for O’Connor, who had been on a run of 38 games without a goal. He had last found the net, also in an FA Cup tie, 12 months ago.
"Tommy is a good finisher. He hasn’t got the goals this year, but he will. The ball has a habit of dropping to him in the box,” said manger Phil Parkinson.
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“It was a nice touch of calmness from Sam Dalby as well, just laying the ball back to him, and if you hit the target it’s always got a chance. Yes, it got deflected, but it’s Tommy’s goal.”
O’Connor was one of three Irish players in the Wrexham side, along with James McClean and Anthony Forde, with ex-Sligo keeper Luke McNicholas on the bench.
The Kilkenny-born player began his career with New Ross Celtic and after a stint with Southampton had spells with Gillingham and Burton Albion before a move to Wrexham two years ago.
