Decisive figure lifts Wrexham past Portsmouth with set-piece strike and rearguard steel | OneFootball

Max Cleworth settled the contest in the 39th minute with a close-range header, as Wrexham beat Portsmouth 2-1.

Rising through a crowded six-yard box, Cleworth glanced in from George Dobson's cross following a corner. The centre-back had earlier marshalled Wrexham's line, then capped that dominance by attacking the dead ball with conviction.

After the restart he absorbed a barrage, repeatedly heading and blocking as Portsmouth threw men forward and pulled one back (49.). His positioning at the heart of the back three cut out low crosses and forced the visitors wide.

He finished with seven clearances, three blocks and two interceptions, plus three aerial duels won and a single attempt converted. Those numbers mattered against sustained delivery, with Portsmouth slinging in 29 crosses and forcing a string of corners.

Because Wrexham's set-piece structure freed him to attack the ball at one end and protect space at the other, his timing and aggression kept Portsmouth off balance in both boxes and ensured the key phases went Wrexham's way.

Wrexham remain sixth and visit Charlton next. Portsmouth stay 19th and host Hull next.