Kieffer Moore at the death! Wrexham face potential Premier League tie after last-gasp winner in Carabao Cup tie at Preston

Wrexham Preston

Wrexham beat Preston North End 3-2 in the Carabao Cup to reach the third round on Tuesday evening thanks to Kieffer Moore's late goal.

Preston North End v Wrexham - Carabao Cup Second Round

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Wrexham beat Preston North End 3-2 to reach the third round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday evening, thanks to Kieffer Moore's last-minute winner. 

Within six minutes, Preston had the lead, as Lewis Dobbin, on his debut, curled a brilliant effort into the top corner to give the hosts a richly-deserved early advantage.  But Wrexham levelled just four minutes later through Ryan Hardie, who collected the ball in the area, swivelled, and found the top corner from a remarkably tight angle, restoring parity in sensational style. 

Liam Lindsay, though, gave Preston their lead back with a close-range header from a fine Alfie Devine corner delivery. And Preston should have had a third on the stroke of half-time, but Daniel Jebbison's chipped effort over an onrushing Arthur Okonkwo hit the post, instead of the corner of the net.

That miss proved decisive, as 19-year-old Harry Ashfield equalised for Wrexham just before the hour mark, taking aim for range and seeing his effort deflected beyond goalkeeper Jack Walton.

Wrexham grew into the game throughout the second half and exerted a great deal of pressure in an attempt to find a winner. And it came in bizarre circumstances in the 91st minute, as substitute Moore finished after Walton made a horrendous mistake, dropping a cross, and allowing the Welsh striker to pass the ball into an empty net.  A breathless end to a breathless game. 

THE MVP

Hardie scored a sensational goal, and with it, gave fans a glimpse of true Premier League quality. His swivel and finish was remarkable, and he continued to press and harry the Preston backline as much as he could thereafter.

Walton

THE BIG LOSER

Oh dear, Walton. He couldn't do much about Wrexham's first two goals but the third was all on him. A cross looped into the box and he absolutely failed to do his job, as he saw the ball slip through his hands and drop at Moore's feet. Such is the life of a goalkeeper. 

WHAT COMES NEXT?

Wrexham face Millwall in their next Championship fixture as they continue their hunt for their first win of the season. They go into the game sitting 19th in an embryonic league table. They may also now have a clash with a Premier League team to prepare for in the next round, and they will discover their opponent in Wednesday's third-round draw.

Preston North End v Wrexham - Carabao Cup Second Round

MATCH RATING (OUT OF FIVE): ⭐⭐⭐⭐