Wrexham made significant strides in their pursuit of automatic promotion from League One on Saturday, March 22, 2025, securing a narrow 1-0 victory against Stockport County at the Racecourse Ground in front of a lively crowd of 13,317. The game marked a crucial clash for both teams as they looked to strengthen their positions in the league, with Wrexham aiming for their third successive promotion.
Jay Rodriguez was the standout performer, netting the only goal of the match. The forward, who joined Wrexham in January, scored in the 29th minute after his initial penalty attempt was saved by Stockport keeper Corey Addai. In a moment of persistence and poise, Rodriguez reacted quickly to slot the rebound home, marking his first goal for the club.
The match started with Stockport showing promise, dominating the early exchanges and threatening to take the lead. Isaac Olaofe had a notable off-target shot but it was evident that Stockport was keen to capitalize on any defensive lapses from Wrexham.
However, it wasn't long before Wrexham earned a penalty after referee Simon Mather consulted with his linesman about a handball by Stockport’s Ibou Touray. Rodriguez stepped up to take the spot-kick, only to see it expertly saved by Addai. Nevertheless, just moments later, he converted the rebound to give the home side the advantage.
As the game progressed, Stockport sought an equalizer, almost succeeding thanks to a header from Callum Connolly which was tipped onto the bar by Wrexham's goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, who demonstrated impressive reflexes to deny the visitors.
The situation for Stockport worsened late in the match when Brad Hills was sent off with a second yellow card for a foul on Wrexham’s Ollie Rathbone. This was a significant turning point, as it dashed any hopes Stockport had of staging a comeback.
After the match, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson expressed his satisfaction with the performance and Rodriguez's crucial goal. He noted the adjustments made at halftime, explaining that they needed to better contain Stockport's wide center-backs. Parkinson’s tactical shift proved beneficial as Wrexham controlled the match better in the second half, allowing them to retain their hard-fought lead.
In the current standings, Wrexham remains in second place with 74 points, trailing league leaders Birmingham City, who hold an impressive 83 points with two games in hand. With Wycombe Wanderers closely behind, just three points adrift and a game in hand themselves, Wrexham's position remains precarious, but their recent performances have instilled confidence within the squad.
As the season edges closer to a conclusion, the anticipation builds for Wrexham's next fixtures. With their eyes firmly set on Championship football next season, every match is of immense significance. The players and coaching staff are acutely aware that consistency is key, and they will need to maintain their current form to secure the coveted automatic promotion.
This victory against Stockport County not only provides a significant morale boost but also fortifies Wrexham’s resolve as they push forward in the challenging weeks ahead. Rodriguez’s moment of brilliance, along with the resolute performances from the defensive line, showcases the tenacity and grit that Wrexham will need as they continue their journey through the remaining matches of the season.
