Match report

Wrexham Defeats Preston 2-1 in League Two Thriller

Wrexham
Wrexham
2–1
FT
Preston
Preston
Dec 29, 2025

Wrexham emerged victorious in their League Two clash against Preston North End, securing a remarkable 2-1 triumph. The home side took an early lead through N. Broadhead, followed by O. Rathbone's goal to double the advantage. Despite A. Devine's late response for Preston, Wrexham held on to claim all three points.

Key Facts

  • • N. Broadhead scored first for Wrexham in the 39th minute.
  • • O. Rathbone added a second goal for Wrexham at the 77-minute mark.
  • • A. Devine reduced Preston's deficit with a late goal in the 84th minute.
  • • K. Moore assisted Broadhead’s opening goal.
  • • George Dobson set up O. Rathbone for the second score.

Lineups

Wrexham

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

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

Substitutes

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

Preston

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 1 D. Iversen (G)
  • 14 J. Storey (D)
  • 6 L. Lindsay (D)
  • 42 O. Offiah (D)
  • 44 B. Potts (M)
  • 5 H. Armstrong (M)
  • 4 B. Whiteman (M)
  • 26 T. Small (M)
  • 10 M. Frokjaer-Jensen (F)
  • 21 A. Devine (F)
  • 9 D. Jebbison (F)

Substitutes

  • 12 J. Walton
  • 2 P. Valentin
  • 18 J. Lewis
  • 15 J. Thompson
  • 8 A. McCann
  • 35 N. Mawene
  • 7 W. Keane
  • 24 M. Smith

Timeline

  1. Wrexham
    39' Wrexham Goal · Normal Goal
    N. Broadhead · Assist: K. Moore
  2. Wrexham
    46' Wrexham subst · Substitution 1
    Off: K. Moore · On: S. Smith
  3. Preston
    59' Preston subst · Substitution 1
    Off: B. Potts · On: P. Valentin
  4. Preston
    64' Preston subst · Substitution 2
    Off: M. Frokjaer-Jensen · On: M. Smith
  5. Wrexham
    70' Wrexham subst · Substitution 2
    Off: B. Sheaf · On: George Dobson
  6. Wrexham
    70' Wrexham subst · Substitution 3
    Off: J. Windass · On: O. Rathbone
  7. Wrexham
    77' Wrexham Goal · Normal Goal
    O. Rathbone · Assist: George Dobson
  8. Preston
    78' Preston subst · Substitution 3
    Off: H. Armstrong · On: J. Lewis
  9. Preston
    78' Preston subst · Substitution 4
    Off: D. Jebbison · On: W. Keane
  10. Preston
    79' Preston subst · Substitution 5
    Off: L. Lindsay · On: Alistair McCann
  11. Preston
    84' Preston Goal · Normal Goal
    A. Devine · Assist: M. Smith
  12. Wrexham
    86' Wrexham subst · Substitution 4
    Off: N. Broadhead · On: Jay Rodriguez

Match Stats

Stat Wrexham Preston
Fouls 11 10
Pass Accuracy 78% 81%
Offsides 2 1
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 14 13
Corners 3 3
Total Passes 406 475
Yellow Cards — —
Blocked Shots 3 1
Shots on Target 6 4
xG 2.53 1.07
Shots off Target 5 8
Possession 46% 54%
Goals Prevented 0 0
Accurate Passes 317 387
Shots Inside Box 12 9
Saves 3 4
Shots Outside Box 2 4

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ N. Broadhead's early goal (39') gave Wrexham a crucial lead, setting the tone for their victory.
  • ▸ O. Rathbone's addition to the scoreline in the 77th minute provided Wrexham with significant breathing room despite Preston's late push.