David Beckham proves to be Tom Brady’s lucky charm as former England captain sits alongside NFL legend to watch Birmingham beat Wrexham 3-1, with Welsh side’s co-owner Rob McElhenney also in attendance at St Andrew’s
Tom Brady had bragging rights over fellow American Rob McElhenney as Birmingham City beat Wrexham 3-1 at St Andrew’s on Monday night.
Both co-owners of their clubs were in attendance for the star-studded League One clash. Former England captain David Beckham sat alongside NFL legend Brady as a double from Jay Stansfield and a stunning strike from debutant Tomoki Iwata led the home side to a commanding victory.
Stansfield was Birmingham City’s superhero after the striker scored twice to put the Blues joint top of the table with a thrilling win over Wrexham in League One.
The division’s record signing levelled the score for the home side in the 22nd minute when he reacted quickest to collect a loose ball in the penalty area, before turning the tide with his superb header in the 52nd minute.
David Beckham has been photographed next to Brady in the stands at St Andrews
McElhenney’s Wrexham travel to Brady’s Birmingham on Monday for League One action
Two goals from Jay Stansfield helped Birmingham City to a dominant performance against Wrexham
Birmingham City debutant Tomoko Iwata (left) scored a drilled shot in the 59th minute
That came after Jack Marriott put Wrexham ahead with a blocked effort after just three minutes, with Tomoki Iwata completing the scoring with a stunning strike from 25 yards in the 59th minute.
Birmingham captain Krystian Bielik was sent off in the 86th minute after receiving two yellow cards in the space of five minutes. The Blues held on to move jointly to the top of the table.
Wrexham remain top on goal difference despite suffering their first defeat of the season, while second-placed Birmingham have also played a game less.
The match was the first competitive game between the two clubs in 29 years and a pre-match light show added to the atmosphere in St.
Andrew was the division’s two-time title favourite and competed against stars such as David Beckham, Tom Wagner and Rob McElhenney in the competition.
There was an early twist in the script as Wrexham made a dream start when Marriott’s shot from a different direction found the net just three minutes after the Blues had failed to clear their lines from a corner.
Birmingham almost levelled from their own corner, when Alex Cochrane grounded the ball into the penalty area towards Alfie May, who in turn found Paik Seung-ho, who side-footed the ball wide from 10 yards.
The home side equalised in the 22nd minute when Stansfield, the division’s record signing, scored from close range on his second competitive debut for the club, with Arthur Okonkwo having only to parry May’s powerful effort from the edge of the area.
The Blues were on the attack again shortly after when Stansfield won the ball back just inside Wrexham’s half. The ball eventually fell to May, who saw his long-range shot easily saved by Okonkwo.
As expected, the Blues dominated possession but struggled to create a real chance. Wrexham sat deep and took a lot of pressure. Marriott scored early in the game and it was the away side’s only shot of the first half.
Stansfield turned the tide in the 52nd minute, however, when Cochrane delivered a perfect cross from the left and the striker headed the ball into the bottom left corner with a gentle header.
Seven minutes later, the Blues extended their lead in style when Iwata fired a powerful shot into the bottom right corner from 25 yards to score his first goal for the club on his competitive debut, taking a pass from Seung-ho.
David Beckham shakes hands with fans as he joins City owner Tom Brady in the stands
Wrexham’s Paul Mullin and Birmingham’s Krystian Bielik got into a dispute that would see them both booked. Bielik would receive a second yellow card and be sent off in the 86th minute
Tom Brady (right) and Rob McElhenney (left) were spotted having a deep conversation at St Mary’s
Stansfield almost completed their treble shortly afterwards when Okonkwo made a crucial save to keep his team in the match, while Bailey Peacock-Farrell stopped a weak effort from substitute Paul Mullin at the other end.
Blues captain Bielik was sent off in the closing stages for an unnecessary foul on Andy Cannon, allowing Birmingham to play out the remaining minutes and secure a convincing win against their potential promotion rivals.