Best start to a pro football career EVER ⏱️🙌
3 minutes into his first senior match for @WgtnPhoenixFC, 19-year-old Luke Flowerdew scored the winning goal against Wrexham AFC.
The stuff dreams are made of 💛🖤
📽 Paramount+ pic.twitter.com/9zwO7mEVER
— Isuzu UTE A-League (@aleaguemen) July 19, 2025
The Phoenix were massive underdogs heading into the contest as they were without four first-choice players in Corban Piper, Tim Payne, Paulo Retre and captain Alex Rufer, but they defied the odds to beat the historic Welsh club, currently owned by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
The Red Dragons dominated possession and created the better chances out of the two sides but lacked the killer instinct they will need if they’re to succeed in their first campaign in 43 years in the Championship, the second tier of English football, with their season kicking off on August 9 against Southampton.
In the first half, Isaac Hughes was impressive in the home defence, Luke Brooke-Smith proved a handful for the Wrexham defence and the Phoenix goalkeeper Josh Oluwayemi was forced to make some tough saves.
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.Phoenix forward Luke Brooke-Smith in action against Wrexham. Photo / Photosport
At halftime, the Phoenix changed all their outfield players with their academy players entering the field and it didn’t take long for Flowerdew to send the Phoenix fans into a frenzy with his goal.
Wrexham striker Ollie Palmer had a goal ruled out in the 80th minute for a handball, as the Phoenix fans took their shirts off in traditional fashion.
The young Phoenix squad defended their hearts out to secure the win.
The result caps off a disappointing tour for Wrexham, who beat Melbourne Victory 3-0 before losing 2-1 to Sydney FC.
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Wrexham, one of the oldest football clubs in the world, formed in 1864, became famous in 2021 when the club was purchased by Reynolds and McElhenney.
At the time, they were playing in the National League, the fifth tier of English football. They have since secured three straight promotions.
Earlier in the day, Wrexham announced the signing of All Whites and former Phoenix defender Liberato Cacace on a three-year deal.
For the Phoenix, the result will give them plenty of confidence for next Sunday’s round of 32 Australia Cup clash against Perth Glory.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.