Wrexham Advances to FA Cup Fifth Round for the First Time in 29 Years

omidbasir- Wrexham achieved a significant milestone in their remarkable journey under the ownership of actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney by reaching the last 16 of England’s FA Cup for the first time since 1997.

On Friday, Wrexham triumphed over fellow second-tier Championship side Ipswich Town with a score of 1-0 in north Wales, marking their first advancement to the fifth round in 29 years. The decisive goal was scored by Josh Windass in the 34th minute, securing the victory for manager Phil Parkinson’s team.

This victory represents Wrexham’s second triumph against higher-ranked opponents in this season’s FA Cup, having previously upset Premier League team Nottingham Forest in the earlier round. The club will learn the identity of their next opponent during the fifth round draw scheduled for Monday.

In this match, Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna made 10 changes to the lineup, indicating his focus on a forthcoming league rematch. The inexperience of Ipswich’s lineup worked to Wrexham’s advantage, although Wrexham initially struggled to capitalize on a goalkeeper error in the first minute, taking some time to find their rhythm in the game.

Wrexham had an early opportunity when goalkeeper Alex Palmer ventured out of his area to clear a long ball but failed to make proper contact. Windass quickly retrieved the loose ball and delivered a cross into the area, which Sam Smith attempted to convert, but Palmer managed to smother the shot.

The match remained relatively uneventful until Windass found the net in the 34th minute. Although George Thomason overhit a cross from the left, Ryan Longman managed to recover it on the opposite side and set up Windass for the opening goal.

Shortly after, Ollie Rathbone nearly doubled the lead with a curling effort from the edge of the box, but Palmer executed a brilliant one-handed save to deny him.

As the first half drew to a close, Thomason sent in a dangerous low cross, yet Ipswich effectively cleared the threat. Following the break, Ipswich pressed for an equalizer, with a long throw-in from Jens Cajuste causing a goalmouth scramble. However, Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo blocked a close-range effort from Chuba Akpom, while Max Cleworth impeded another shot from Akpom that went wide.

Although Ipswich increased their urgency, Wrexham managed to withstand the pressure, with Windass forcing another save from Palmer from a challenging angle. Windass continued to create chances but faced a couple of blocked shots, and Palmer effectively dealt with a glancing header.

In a last-ditch effort, Palmer advanced for a late corner as Ipswich sought to push for extra time, but Wrexham held firm to secure a memorable victory.