Match report
Wrexham 2–2 Middlesbrough: League Two Side Stuns Championship Rivals
Wrexham
2–2
FT
Middlesbrough
May 2, 2026
In a remarkable encounter, Wrexham managed to hold off Championship side Middlesbrough to secure a 2-2 draw. The League Two side stunned their higher-ranked opponents with two quick goals from J. Windass and S. Smith, but Middlesbrough's resilience saw them level the score with strikes from T. Conway and D. Strelec.
Key Facts
- • T. Conway (4') opened the scoring for Middlesbrough
- • J. Windass (28') equalized for Wrexham
- • S. Smith (41') gave Wrexham the lead
- • D. Strelec (44') leveled the match for Middlesbrough
- • Wrexham made multiple substitutions, including George Dobson, O. Rathbone, I. Kabore, and D. Scarr
Lineups
Wrexham
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Starting XI
- 21 D. Ward (G)
- 5 D. Hyam (D)
- 24 D. Scarr (D)
- 2 C. Doyle (D)
- 12 I. Kabore (M)
- 37 M. James (M)
- 15 G. Dobson (M)
- 14 G. Thomason (M)
- 10 J. Windass (F)
- 20 O. Rathbone (F)
- 28 S. Smith (F)
Substitutes
- 1 A. Okonkwo
- 33 N. Broadhead
- 18 B. Sheaf
- 27 L. O'Brien
- 13 L. Cacace
- 47 R. Longman
- 19 K. Moore
- 7 D. Keillor-Dunn
- 4 M. Cleworth
Middlesbrough
Formation: 3-4-2-1
Starting XI
- 31 S. Brynn (G)
- 12 L. Ayling (D)
- 6 D. Fry (D)
- 29 A. Malanda (D)
- 2 C. Brittain (M)
- 18 A. Morris (M)
- 16 A. Browne (M)
- 3 M. Targett (M)
- 11 M. Whittaker (F)
- 9 T. Conway (F)
- 13 D. Strelec (F)
Substitutes
- 32 J. Wildsmith
- 25 G. Edmundson
- 45 J. Sarmiento
- 8 R. McGree
- 27 S. Hansen
- 14 A. Gilbert
- 20 M. K. Sene
- 22 S. Silvera
- 23 L. Castledine
Timeline
-
4' Middlesbrough Goal · Normal GoalT. Conway -
28' Wrexham Goal · Normal GoalJ. Windass -
41' Wrexham Goal · Normal GoalS. Smith · Assist: I. Kabore -
44' Middlesbrough Goal · Normal GoalD. Strelec · Assist: Matt Targett -
46' Middlesbrough subst · Substitution 1Off: A. Browne · On: R. McGree -
62' Wrexham subst · Substitution 1Off: George Dobson · On: B. Sheaf -
63' Wrexham subst · Substitution 2Off: O. Rathbone · On: N. Broadhead -
71' Middlesbrough subst · Substitution 2Off: D. Strelec · On: J. Sarmiento -
71' Middlesbrough subst · Substitution 3Off: M. Whittaker · On: L. Castledine -
73' Wrexham subst · Substitution 3Off: I. Kabore · On: R. Longman -
73' Wrexham subst · Substitution 4Off: D. Scarr · On: K. Moore -
83' Wrexham subst · Substitution 5Off: M. James · On: D. Keillor-Dunn -
87' Middlesbrough subst · Substitution 4Off: Luke Ayling · On: M. K. Sene
Match Stats
| Stat | Wrexham | Middlesbrough |
|---|---|---|
| Fouls | 11 | 5 |
| Pass Accuracy | 82% | 84% |
| Offsides | 1 | 3 |
| Red Cards | — | — |
| Total Shots | 20 | 11 |
| Corners | 6 | 3 |
| Total Passes | 449 | 489 |
| Yellow Cards | — | — |
| Blocked Shots | 7 | 2 |
| Shots on Target | 8 | 5 |
| xG | 1.70 | 2.12 |
| Shots off Target | 5 | 4 |
| Possession | 48% | 52% |
| Goals Prevented | -0.18 | -0.18 |
| Accurate Passes | 368 | 411 |
| Shots Inside Box | 10 | 8 |
| Saves | 2 | 6 |
| Shots Outside Box | 10 | 3 |
Key Match Notes
- ▸ Wrexham's quick response goal by J. Windass within 24 minutes of Conway's opener shifted momentum in their favor
- ▸ S. Smith's strike put Wrexham ahead just minutes later, showcasing their strength and determination against Championship opposition
- ▸ D. Strelec's goal for Middlesbrough in the 44th minute marked a crucial turning point, as it allowed the Championship side to maintain hope and eventually secure a draw