Match report

Wrexham Defeats Reading 2-0 in League Cup Thriller

Wrexham
Wrexham
2–0
FT
Reading
Reading
Sep 23, 2025

Wrexham stunned Premier League aspirant Reading with a convincing 2-0 win in the League Cup. The Welsh side's solid defense and smart tactical play kept Reading at bay throughout, while goals from Niall Broadhead and Sam Smith sealed the victory. This result marks a significant upset and highlights Wrexham’s potential for further progress in the competition.

Key Facts

  • • Wrexham secured their first goal through Niall Broadhead at 57 minutes.
  • • Sam Smith added the second goal for Wrexham at 70 minutes.
  • • Reading made multiple substitutions in an attempt to turn the game around, but failed to breach Wrexham's defense.
  • • G. Thomason received a yellow card for Wrexham in the first half.

Lineups

Wrexham

Formation: 3-4-2-1

Starting XI

  • 25 C. Burton (G)
  • 3 L. Brunt (D)
  • 24 D. Scarr (D)
  • 2 C. Doyle (D)
  • 29 R. Barnett (M)
  • 37 M. James (M)
  • 14 G. Thomason (M)
  • 7 J. McClean (M)
  • 38 E. Lee (F)
  • 33 N. Broadhead (F)
  • 28 S. Smith (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 A. Okonkwo
  • 4 M. Cleworth
  • 6 C. Coady
  • 12 I. Kabore
  • 15 G. Dobson
  • 45 R. Longman
  • 27 L. O'Brien
  • 9 R. Hardie
  • 19 K. Moore

Reading

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 25 J. Stevens (G)
  • 2 K. Abrefa (D)
  • 22 M. Stickland (D)
  • 5 M. Jacob (D)
  • 19 A. Garcia (D)
  • 4 B. Elliott (M)
  • 8 C. Savage (M)
  • 11 D. Kyerewaa (M)
  • 29 K. Doyle (M)
  • 9 K. Ehibhatiomhan (M)
  • 20 M. O'Mahony (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 J. Pereira
  • 39 A. Ahmed
  • 38 P. Duah
  • 36 J. Ryan
  • 6 L. Fraser
  • 14 T. Rushesha
  • 10 L. Wing
  • 32 P. Lane
  • 57 S. Patton

Timeline

  1. Wrexham
    34' Wrexham Card · Yellow Card
    G. Thomason

    Foul

  2. Reading
    45' Reading subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Andre Garcia · On: John Ryan
  3. Wrexham
    57' Wrexham Goal · Normal Goal
    N. Broadhead
  4. Reading
    66' Reading subst · Substitution 2
    Off: B. Elliott · On: L. Fraser
  5. Reading
    66' Reading subst · Substitution 3
    Off: K. Ehibhatiomhan · On: T. Rushesha
  6. Reading
    66' Reading subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Charlie Savage · On: L. Wing
  7. Reading
    66' Reading subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Daniel Kyerewaa · On: P. Lane
  8. Wrexham
    70' Wrexham Goal · Normal Goal
    S. Smith
  9. Wrexham
    72' Wrexham subst · Substitution 1
    Off: N. Broadhead · On: George Dobson
  10. Wrexham
    72' Wrexham subst · Substitution 2
    Off: R. Barnett · On: R. Longman
  11. Wrexham
    72' Wrexham subst · Substitution 3
    Off: G. Thomason · On: L. O'Brien
  12. Wrexham
    79' Wrexham subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Callum Doyle · On: Max Cleworth
  13. Wrexham
    87' Wrexham subst · Substitution 5
    Off: S. Smith · On: R. Hardie

Match Stats

Stat Wrexham Reading
Fouls 10 11
Pass Accuracy 82% 85%
Offsides — —
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 17 11
Corners 3 4
Total Passes 489 564
Yellow Cards 1 0
Blocked Shots 6 2
Shots on Target 7 4
xG — —
Shots off Target 4 5
Possession 47% 53%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 403 482
Shots Inside Box 11 5
Saves 4 5
Shots Outside Box 6 6

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Wrexham capitalized on their defensive solidity and countered effectively, leading to Niall Broadhead’s goal at 57 minutes.
  • ▸ Sam Smith's second goal at 70 minutes all but sealed Wrexham's victory, dealing a significant blow to Reading's morale.