Several came through the avenue of Thomas, who looks to be loving life this season, he has looked a player reborn with club and country.
Before the game, statisticians had labelled him the Championship’s most creative player in terms of chances and goal creations. He can add another one to that tally, whether it was meant for the back of the net or not.
The irony will not be lost on Wrexham fans who saw the Wales winger deliver via his international team-mate’s boot, nor will his celebrations have gone down well with the travelling contingent from north Wales.
Stoke’s support, on the other hand, lapped it up. It had been ponderous at times from the Potters, but that breakthrough – albeit a lucky one – eased tension in a 27,254-crowd.
And the frustration will have been all Phil Parkinson’s, who will have known his side were authors of their own downfall with several individuals guilty of poor performances.
Mark Robins will hope that the win lifts them back up the table and boosts confidence levels about a first real promotion push since relegation from the Premier League seven years ago, while Parkinson might take solace from the fact his side are capable of more.
