Peterborough United 2 Wrexham 2

Last updated : 11 January 2005 By Footymad Previewer
Spanish saviours Juan Ugarte and Xavi Valero produced a rousing rescue act as Wrexham snatched a point from a frantic relegation battle.

Debutant keeper Valero produced a number of stunning saves as he made an instant impression in English football and countryman Ugarte claimed both goals as Wrexham recovered from an early two-goal deficit and weathered a second-half storm to stay alive in the race to avoid the drop.

Valero was helpless as Calum Willock was afforded time and space to fire Posh ahead after just three minutes. And when on-loan skipper Guy Branston headed his first goal for Barry Fry's side nine minutes later, the writing appeared to be on the wall for the Welsh strugglers.

But Denis Smith's side had other ideas. They were lucky to survive again as Willock steered a header against a post, but only a wonder save from Mark Tyler kept out a fierce 20-yard volley from Matt Crowell.

And Posh were rocked when ex-Real Socieded striker Ugarte lashed home from close range in first-half stoppage time after an Andy Holt long throw had sparked panic in the home defence.

But Wrexham were reliant on Valero as they were put under the cosh for the majority of the second period.

The pick of the Spanish keeper's several important stops was a full-length parry to turn another Willock header onto an upright before giant defender Dennis Lawrence cracked the rebound against his own crossbar.

Valero denied Willock on four separate occasions and his heroics enabled them to snatch a crucial point 12 minutes from time.

Clever Holt seized on a weak header from Posh youngster Sean St Ledger and delivered a teasing cross that was smartly converted by Ugarte despite being sandwiched by Branston and defensive cohort Chris Plummer.

But the stalemate did neither side any real favours with Posh still trailing 20th placed Blackpool by two points with the Welshmen a further point adrift.