Wrexham Secures Back-to-Back Wins with Victory Over Preston North End
Wrexham concluded a memorable 2025 by defeating Preston North End, marking back-to-back league victories for the first time since their return to the Championship.
Nathan Broadhead scored his fifth goal of the season just before halftime, putting the hosts ahead in North Wales.
Substitute Ollie Rathbone added a second goal in only his fourth league appearance since returning from injury, while Alfie Devine's fourth goal of the season gave Preston a glimmer of hope late in the game.
However, Wrexham managed to hold on, extending their unbeaten home run in the Championship to ten matches.
This victory propelled Phil Parkinson's team to 11th place in the table, just four points shy of the playoff positions, while Preston slipped to seventh after suffering their first league defeat in eight matches.
Neither team posed a significant threat early on, with Arthur Okonkwo successfully preventing Brad Potts, making his first start of the season, from finishing a promising move for the visitors.
The match came to life after a deflected strike from Josh Windass looped over the crossbar. Daniel Iversen then denied both Broadhead and Kieffer Moore in quick succession, while Mads Frokjaer-Jensen responded by firing straight at Okonkwo.
With the majority of the 10,616-strong crowd believing Wrexham had taken the lead just before the half-hour mark, Broadhead's effort went wide after a dazzling run initiated by a quick throw from Okonkwo.
Broadhead, however, found the net six minutes before halftime, guiding a header into the bottom corner from a cross by Moore.
Wrexham faced a setback just before the halftime whistle, as top scorer Moore was forced off due to injury, with Sam Smith taking his place at the break.
After the restart, Preston improved, with Thierry Small testing Okonkwo with a strong shot, though Windass later curled a shot wide as Wrexham relied more on counter-attacks.
Preston missed a golden opportunity to equalize on the hour mark when Devine volleyed into the side netting from an unmarked position following a corner from Ben Whiteman.
Iversen remained alert, palming away a powerful shot from substitute Smith, while Callum Doyle failed to convert with a header from the subsequent corner.
Wrexham came close to doubling their lead in the 74th minute when George Thomason's looping cross was headed against the post by Smith.
However, Wrexham made it 2-0 when Rathbone, assisted by George Dobson, calmly finished beyond Iversen with just 13 minutes remaining.
Devine's late goal created a tense finish, but despite some nervous moments, Wrexham secured their eighth league win of the season, handing Preston only their fifth defeat in the Championship for the 2025-26 campaign.
Broadhead Ends 2025 on a High Note
Following an impressive performance against Sheffield United just three days prior, Broadhead was once again a significant threat for the Red Dragons.
After testing Iversen earlier in the match, the 27-year-old came close to scoring again after a skillful run following a long throw from Okonkwo.
He finally found the back of the net just before halftime, scoring with a header from Moore's assist.
Despite facing some inconsistency earlier in the season due to a minor injury, the 17-cap international has showcased moments of brilliance since his return to North Wales.
He will be looking to make 2026 even more successful, which could also enhance his contributions to his national team's aspirations in the upcoming March playoffs for World Cup qualification next summer.