Millwall solidified their position in the Championship’s top five with a 2-0 victory over playoff contenders Wrexham.
A fortunate own goal by Max Cleworth, resulting from a cross by Femi Azeez in the 59th minute, gave the Lions an early advantage.
Until the last five minutes of the match, Millwall had not registered a single shot on goal, but substitute Josh Coburn sealed the win with a powerful strike to make it two.
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds, who is also a Hollywood star, attended the match at SToK Cae Ras hoping to see the Welsh team enhance their playoff aspirations.
Millwall remains in fifth place but is now just a point away from third, while Wrexham holds sixth place in the playoffs, trailing the Lions by six points on goal difference.
Both teams entered the match full of confidence, each boasting only one defeat in their last eight league games.
Wrexham made three new signings, Bailey Cadamarteri, Davis Keillor-Dunn, and Zak Vyner, just before the transfer deadline on Monday.
However, only Keillor-Dunn, who returned to Wrexham from Barnsley, made it onto the bench for this match.
Barry Bannan made his full Championship debut for Millwall, having previously scored in an August draw while playing for Sheffield Wednesday here.
Wrexham began on the offensive with Kieffer Moore sending a back flick directly at Lions goalkeeper Max Crocombe, while Camiel Neghli’s header went wide at the other end.
Issa Kaboré proved to be a dynamic presence throughout the first half, consistently posing a threat down Wrexham’s right side.
The Burkina Faso wing-back, on loan from Manchester City, launched a powerful long-range effort that Crocombe deflected away.
Ollie Rathbone missed the target with a similar shot in what turned out to be a lackluster first half as both defenses took control.
Neghli squandered a chance when Kaboré faced pressure from Tristan Crama’s cross, while a wayward shot from Azeez epitomized the disappointing first half.
The second half saw Wrexham increase their intensity, with Callum Doyle forcing a save from Crocombe from distance.
Shortly after, George Dobson gained possession, allowing Lewis O’Brien to slip a pass to Moore, but Crocombe was quick off his line to avert the threat.
Despite offering little in attack, Millwall took the lead when Cleworth accidentally turned Azeez’s cross into his own net.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson responded by making three substitutions, bringing on Keillor-Dunn, Josh Windass, and Sam Smith to try and turn the tide.
The game opened up, with Dom Hyam heading over for Wrexham while Coburn narrowly missed converting a brilliant pass from Azeez.
Smith had two chances in the closing ten minutes, which proved to be costly, as Wrexham’s hopes were completely dashed when Azeez set up Coburn for a thunderous finish.