Wrexham moved up to second place in League One following a hard-fought 1-0 win against promotion rivals Stockport County at The Racecourse on March 22, 2025. Jay Rodriguez's first goal for the Reds proved to be the decisive factor in a match filled with tension and missed opportunities. The victory is pivotal for Wrexham as they strive for a top-two finish and their third consecutive promotion.
The match started with Stockport displaying a strong performance, as they had an early chance with Isaac Olaofe firing a shot wide. However, Wrexham managed to turn the game around and secure a half-hour lead just before the 29th minute thanks to a penalty awarded after a handball by Ibou Touray.
Rodriguez, feeling the pressure, initially saw his penalty saved by Stockport's goalkeeper Corey Addai. But he was quick to react, following up to score on the rebound, and the home crowd erupted in celebration — a moment of relief for both the striker and fans.
As the second half commenced, Stockport sought an equalizer. Callum Connolly came close with a powerful header from a Lewis Bate corner, but Wrexham's goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo was at hand, tipping the header onto the bar. Further attempts by Stockport showed promise, but the Reds' defense held firm, denying any chances that could lead to a goal.
The match produced numerous other opportunities, including a chance for Wrexham's Sam Smith, whose shot was saved by Addai. However, it was Olly Rathbone's header, which sent a shot wide from a Ryan Longman cross, that left fans holding their breath as the clock ticked down.
In the closing ten minutes, Stockport's situation worsened as Brad Hills received a second yellow card for a foul on Rathbone, reducing the visitors to ten men. This left Wrexham with a clearer path to secure their lead and ultimately, the win.
Wrexham's victory not only boosts their league standing but also intensifies the pressure on their promotion rivals. They are now positioned three points ahead of Wycombe Wanderers, who were not in action that day, and have a crucial game in hand against them. Furthermore, their primary rival for the top spot, Birmingham City, remains firmly in the lead, but the Reds are more focused on achieving their immediate targets.
Phil Parkinson, the manager, appointed the same starting squad that triumphed against Wycombe the previous week, aiming for consistency and synergy on the pitch. The team's strategy was clear; maintain possession and capitalize on any mistakes from their opponents, which they managed to execute effectively against Stockport.
Despite Stockport's fifth place standing and the loss, they showed resilience and attempts to equalize, but merely lacked the cutting edge in front of goal. The day ended with an attendance of 13,317, a testament to the local support and fan enthusiasm for watching Wrexham fight for their place in the Championship.
This match not only reflected Wrexham's determination to climb the ranks of English football but also set a precedent for the remaining matches in the season. With eight matches left to play, Wrexham's ambitions are set high as they chase a place among the champions of League One.
As the season progresses, Wrexham fans remain hopeful, looking forward to supporting their team in its quest for glory. With each match presenting an opportunity to solidify their promotion ambitions, the thrill and excitement surrounding the club continue to build.
