Sat Jul 12 10:00:00 UTC 2025: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
**Wrexham AFC Kicks Off Australian Tour with Decisive Victory Over Melbourne Victory**
**MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA** – Wrexham AFC, fresh off their promotion and preparing for their first Championship season since 1981-82, have started their pre-season tour of Australia and New Zealand with a resounding 3-0 victory over Melbourne Victory, runners-up in last season’s A-League Grand Final. The match, held at Marvel Stadium, saw goals from Tom O’Connor, debutant Ryan Hardie, and George Evans, signaling a strong start for Phil Parkinson’s side.
The first half was a closely contested affair, with both goalkeepers called into action early. Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo made crucial saves, while Melbourne Victory’s Jack Duncan denied Dan Scarr’s header and Max Cleworth’s acrobatic effort. Just before halftime, O’Connor broke the deadlock, drilling the ball into the net after Duncan punched away a clearance.
In the second half, Wrexham manager Parkinson made wholesale changes, introducing summer signings Ryan Hardie and Danny Ward. Melbourne Victory nearly equalized immediately after the restart, but Louis D’Arrigo’s shot hit the crossbar. Wrexham extended their lead in the 67th minute when Hardie turned in Ryan Barnett’s cross for his first goal in Wrexham colors. George Evans sealed the victory with a late goal, his 25-yard shot slipping under the Victory goalkeeper.
Wrexham continues their tour with a match against Sydney FC at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday, 15 July (10:30 BST) and will face Wellington Phoenix at the Sky Stadium on Saturday, 19 July (06:30 BST). The team will begin their Championship campaign at Southampton on Saturday, 9 August (12:30 BST) and will host West Bromwich Albion in their first home league fixture a week later (12:30 BST).
First Piper 