 Lawrence headed a bizarre own goal early in the second half |
Brighton secured a top-four finish and home advantage in the second leg of their play-off semi-final against Swindon after brushing aside Wrexham. Striker Chris Iwelumo tested Mike Ingham early on before applying the finishing touch to Adam Virgo's knock-on after eight minutes.
After the break Adam Virgo's long throw deflected off Dennis Lawrence, looping over Ingham for an own-goal.
Wrexham's season fizzled out tamely as their chances were limited.
With Iwelumo proving a handful, Leon Knight also missed a good chance as Brighton totally dominated the early proceedings.
The home side finally woke up after half an hour and began to take the game to the Seagulls.
Chris Llewellyn hit the bar on the volley and Carlos Edwards' shot was well saved by Ben Roberts.
The Albion keeper then produced a brilliant stop to keep out Lawrence's point-blank header.
Chris Armstrong missed a golden chance just seconds after coming on, and before the interval he also went close with a header.
But Lawrence's bizarre own goal completed a troubled week for the Dragons, with their unhappy fans staging a red-card protest against chairman Mark Guterman.
Wrexham: Ingham, Roberts, Carey, Lawrence, Carlos Edwards, Whitley, Thomas, Ferguson, Paul Edwards, Sam, Llewellyn. Subs: Whitfield, Holmes, Armstrong, Barrett, Morgan.
Brighton: Roberts, Virgo, Cullip, Butters, Harding, Hart, Reid, Oatway, Nathan Jones, Knight, Iwelumo. Subs: Kuipers, Mayo, Piercy, McPhee, El-Abd.
Referee: P Walton (Northamptonshire)
MMIX
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