Match report

Wrexham Stuns Derby with 2-1 Win in Championship Clash

Derby
Derby
1–2
FT
Wrexham
Wrexham
Jan 4, 2026

Wrexham produced an outstanding performance to stun local rivals Derby with a 2-1 victory in the Championship. Despite going behind to Brereton Diaz's goal for Derby, Wrexham showcased remarkable resilience and determination, ultimately securing a crucial win through goals from Sam Smith and Michael James.

Key Facts

  • • Wrexham scored first with Sam Smith netting at 25 minutes.
  • • Derby equalized through Brereton Diaz's goal at the 34th minute.
  • • Michael James secured Wrexham’s victory with a goal at 48 minutes.
  • • Max Cleworth and Michael James received yellow cards for Wrexham, while David Sanderson was cautioned for Derby.

Lineups

Derby

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 1 J. Widell Zetterstrom (G)
  • 6 S. Langas (D)
  • 28 D. Sanderson (D)
  • 5 M. Clarke (D)
  • 23 J. Ward (M)
  • 16 L. Thompson (M)
  • 42 B. Clark (M)
  • 20 C. Elder (M)
  • 25 B. Brereton Diaz (F)
  • 7 P. Agyemang (F)
  • 10 R. Brewster (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 R. O'Donnell
  • 3 C. Forsyth
  • 4 D. Batth
  • 11 C. Blackett-Taylor
  • 14 A. Weimann
  • 15 L. Salvesen
  • 19 K. Jackson
  • 27 L. Travis
  • 32 E. Adams

Wrexham

Formation: 3-2-4-1

Starting XI

  • 1 A. Okonkwo (G)
  • 4 M. Cleworth (D)
  • 5 D. Hyam (D)
  • 2 C. Doyle (D)
  • 37 M. James (M)
  • 18 B. Sheaf (M)
  • 47 R. Longman (F)
  • 10 J. Windass (M)
  • 33 N. Broadhead (M)
  • 14 G. Thomason (F)
  • 28 S. Smith (F)

Substitutes

  • 25 C. Burton
  • 6 C. Coady
  • 13 L. Cacace
  • 29 R. Barnett
  • 15 G. Dobson
  • 20 O. Rathbone
  • 27 L. O'Brien
  • 16 J. Rodriguez
  • 24 D. Scarr

Timeline

  1. Wrexham
    25' Wrexham Goal · Normal Goal
    S. Smith · Assist: N. Broadhead
  2. Wrexham
    30' Wrexham Card · Yellow Card
    Max Cleworth

    Foul

  3. Derby
    34' Derby Goal · Normal Goal
    B. Brereton Diaz · Assist: M. Clarke
  4. Wrexham
    48' Wrexham Goal · Normal Goal
    M. James
  5. Derby
    60' Derby subst · Substitution 1
    Off: C. Elder · On: C. Blackett-Taylor
  6. Derby
    60' Derby subst · Substitution 2
    Off: P. Agyemang · On: A. Weimann
  7. Derby
    60' Derby subst · Substitution 3
    Off: R. Brewster · On: L. Salvesen
  8. Derby
    60' Derby subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Liam Thompson · On: L. Travis
  9. Wrexham
    66' Wrexham subst · Substitution 1
    Off: J. Windass · On: O. Rathbone
  10. Wrexham
    68' Wrexham Card · Yellow Card
    M. James

    Foul

  11. Derby
    73' Derby Card · Yellow Card
    D. Sanderson

    Foul

  12. Wrexham
    75' Wrexham subst · Substitution 2
    Off: N. Broadhead · On: L. O'Brien
  13. Derby
    81' Derby subst · Substitution 5
    Off: D. Sanderson · On: Kayden Jackson
  14. Wrexham
    90' Wrexham subst · Substitution 3
    Off: G. Thomason · On: L. Cacace
  15. Wrexham
    90' Wrexham subst · Substitution 4
    Off: S. Smith · On: Jay Rodriguez

Match Stats

Stat Derby Wrexham
Fouls 9 8
Pass Accuracy 81% 80%
Offsides 1 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 13 11
Corners 12 2
Total Passes 435 411
Yellow Cards 1 2
Blocked Shots 3 3
Shots on Target 5 3
xG 1.35 1.00
Shots off Target 5 5
Possession 52% 48%
Goals Prevented 0 0
Accurate Passes 351 327
Shots Inside Box 11 6
Saves 1 4
Shots Outside Box 2 5

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Wrexham took the lead through Sam Smith's early goal, giving them a psychological advantage over Derby.
  • ▸ Derby equalized shortly after, but Michael James' quick response with another Wrexham goal re-established their lead and shifted momentum in favor of the visitors.