Wrexham AFC reignited their push for a Championship playoff spot with a timely 2-0 victory over Stoke City, as manager Phil Parkinson made it clear that his side intends to fight until the very end of the season.
Coming off back-to-back defeats against Southampton FC and Birmingham City, the win provided a much-needed response. The result also tightened the race for the final playoff spots, with Wrexham now just two points behind sixth-placed Hull City, who were held to a 1-1 draw.
Quickfire goals turn the tide
Wrexham took control of the match midway through the first half. The opener came in the 31st minute, initially credited to George Thomason, though Parkinson later confirmed it was Josh Windass who applied the decisive touch from a corner that eluded Stoke goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu.
Windass doubled the advantage just over a minute later, capitalising on a defensive error by Aaron Cresswell to score his 14th league goal of the campaign. The rapid double strike effectively sealed the contest and restored confidence within the squad.
Also Read | ISL 2025–26: Kerala Blasters beat Jamshedpur FC 2-0 with dominant first-half display
Playoff race intensifies
The victory was further boosted by events elsewhere, as a late equaliser from Birmingham ensured Hull dropped points. Parkinson admitted he only learned of the result after the final whistle but acknowledged its importance in keeping Wrexham firmly in contention.
With fixtures against Oxford United, Coventry City and Middlesbrough FC still to come, Wrexham face a challenging run-in. However, the manager emphasised accountability and performance levels as key factors in sustaining their push.
Stroke struggles deepen
For Stoke, the defeat marked another setback in a disappointing run of form. Manager Mark Robins expressed frustration at what he described as avoidable mistakes, with his side now slipping to 17th place after a sixth consecutive away loss.
Robins signalled the need for significant changes, particularly ahead of the summer, stressing that the current trajectory is unsustainable. While Wrexham look upward with renewed belief, Stoke are left focusing on rebuilding after a difficult campaign.
As the season enters its final stretch, Wrexham’s resurgence has added fresh intrigue to the playoff battle, with Parkinson’s side determined to keep their promotion dream alive until the final whistle