Wrexham’s remarkable rise through the English football pyramid continued to gather pace on New Year’s Day 2026, as the Red Dragons clinched a commanding 2-0 victory away at Blackburn Rovers. The win, their third on the bounce, propelled Wrexham to 37 points after 25 Championship matches, leaving them just three points adrift of the coveted playoff positions—at least until their rivals played later in the day.
For Wrexham fans, the dream of a fourth consecutive promotion no longer feels far-fetched. With Hollywood owners fueling ambitions of a Premier League berth, the team’s spirited display at Ewood Park only added to the sense of momentum sweeping through the club. The Red Dragons’ faithful, who have witnessed three successive promotions already, are daring to believe that the once-unthinkable leap to the top flight might be within reach.
Wrexham wasted little time stamping their authority on the contest. Just ten minutes in, Matty James delivered a pinpoint long ball over the Blackburn defense, catching the hosts flat-footed. Striker Sam Smith latched onto the pass and, with a deft finish, slotted past Rovers goalkeeper Aynsley Pears at the near post. The early goal set the tone for a match in which Wrexham’s energy and efficiency would prove decisive.
Blackburn, meanwhile, struggled to find their rhythm. Defensive frailties that have plagued their campaign resurfaced at the worst possible moments. According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Pears was criticized for not getting his angles right on the opener, while defenders Lewis Miller and Sean McLoughlin were each rated just 4 out of 10 for their performances. McLoughlin, in particular, was faulted for allowing Smith a clear sight of goal with a single ball over the top.
Despite the early setback, Blackburn attempted to rally. Matty Litherland pushed forward, delivering dangerous crosses that nearly led to an equalizer, but the home side’s efforts fizzled out as the half wore on. Moussa Baradji came closest to leveling the score, his second-half volley rattling the underside of the bar, but luck was not on Rovers’ side.
Just before the break, Wrexham doubled their advantage with a moment of individual brilliance. As the ball looped over his shoulder and appeared to be heading away from goal, Ollie Rathbone produced a stunning volley from 10 yards out, catching Pears and the entire Blackburn backline by surprise. The strike, which was later highlighted in a viral video published at 13:12 UK time, left fans and commentators alike in awe. “That was brilliant!” exclaimed the Sky Sports commentary team, as Rathbone’s goal put Wrexham firmly in the driver’s seat.
The second goal seemed to sap the energy from the home side. Rovers’ midfield, usually marshaled effectively by Sondre Tronstad, was overrun by the relentless pressing of Wrexham’s engine room. Tronstad, who has been a model of consistency this season, endured his first below-par outing in some time, struggling to contain the dynamic duo of Rathbone and O’Brien.
Blackburn’s attacking options offered little respite. Yuki Ohashi, deployed wide when the team desperately needed a focal point, looked exhausted and ineffective. Axel Henriksson, playing out of position up front, toiled gamely but failed to make an impact. The Lancashire Telegraph summed up the mood with a blunt assessment: “Tries his best but just doesn’t have the quality to be effective up front at this level, not that it’s his fault he’s out of position.”
Injuries further hampered the home side’s hopes. Matty Litherland, one of the few bright spots with a rating of 6, was forced off with an injury on the hour mark. Ryan Hedges, rated 5, took a knock before halftime and had to be replaced. Substitutes Harry Pickering and Tom Atcheson entered the fray but were unable to alter the course of the match, each earning a par score of 6 for their efforts.
For Wrexham, the result was a testament to their growing confidence and resilience. The team has now strung together three consecutive wins, a run that has them firmly in the playoff conversation as the season reaches its midpoint. The Red Dragons’ ascent has been nothing short of extraordinary, fueled by a blend of savvy recruitment, tactical discipline, and the infectious optimism of their Hollywood owners.
“Wrexham got themselves ahead against a struggling Blackburn side after just ten minutes,” reported ITV Wales, underscoring the visitors’ fast start. The broadcaster also noted the significance of Rathbone’s goal, which “had no right to score from the angle he did,” describing the volley as a highlight-reel moment that encapsulated Wrexham’s swagger.
Elsewhere in the Championship, Swansea City secured a narrow 1-0 home win over West Bromwich Albion, while in League One, Cardiff City dropped two points away at Wycombe but remained three points clear at the top of the table. These results only served to heighten the sense of possibility for Wrexham, who now find themselves rubbing shoulders with some of the division’s established names.
Looking ahead, Wrexham’s next test comes on Sunday, January 4, when they travel to Derby County. The fixture promises to be another stern examination of their promotion credentials, but with momentum on their side, few would bet against the Red Dragons continuing their charge up the table.
For Blackburn, the defeat marked a disappointing start to 2026. The team’s struggles at both ends of the pitch were laid bare, and manager and supporters alike will be demanding a swift response in the weeks to come. The player ratings tell their own story: too many below-par performances, not enough spark or solidity to trouble a resurgent Wrexham.
As the final whistle blew at Ewood Park, it was clear which team carried the greater belief and ambition. Wrexham’s Hollywood script, once dismissed as fantasy, is starting to read like a real-life blockbuster. With the playoff hunt heating up and the Premier League dream alive, all eyes will be on the Red Dragons as they continue their remarkable journey through English football.
Wrexham’s supporters left Blackburn with hope in their hearts and another three points in the bag. The Championship playoff race is wide open, and the Red Dragons are right in the thick of it—no longer outsiders, but genuine contenders with a story that continues to capture the imagination of fans across the country.
