Wrexham Secures Third Consecutive Victory Against Blackburn Rovers
Wrexham triumphed over struggling Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park, securing their third consecutive victory and moving closer to the Championship play-off spots.
The visitors took an early lead when Sam Smith scored his second league goal of the season, drilling the ball past goalkeeper Aynsley Pears.
Ollie Rathbone then added a stunning second goal just before halftime, marking his third goal in five matches and doubling Wrexham's advantage.
Although the rest of the league had yet to play later in the day, this victory—Wrexham's first in nine away league games—propelled Phil Parkinson's team to eighth place, just one point shy of the top six.
Blackburn currently sits in 19th place, having managed only one win in their last nine league matches.
Despite being without their top scorers Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass due to injuries, Wrexham took the lead within 11 minutes in Lancashire.
Matty James delivered a lofted ball that floated over Sean McLoughlin and into the path of Smith, who, making only his second league start of the season, struck with his left foot to beat Pears at the near post.
Shortly after, McLoughlin made a crucial last-ditch challenge to deny Rathbone—making his first Championship start of the 2025-26 season—from scoring from close range, as Blackburn appeared nervous.
Wrexham's pressing game continued to create problems, with Smith narrowly missing the chance to guide Ryan Longman's deep cross into the net.
Blackburn's lackluster performance was highlighted when Todd Cantwell hit a free-kick into the Wrexham wall, only to scuff his follow-up shot over the crossbar.
Wrexham extended their lead to 2-0 when Dan Scarr's header from James' free-kick fell to Rathbone, who executed a beautiful volley past Pears in the 38th minute.
Even when Valerien Ismael's side managed to threaten, they were met by a resolute Wrexham defense, exemplified when Smith blocked Sondre Tronstad's shot late in the first half.
Blackburn's best opportunity came in the 56th minute when Moussa Baradji's strike hit the underside of Wrexham's crossbar, thanks to a vital touch from former Rovers defender Dom Hyam.
Wrexham nearly made it 3-0 a minute later, with Smith setting up Lewis O'Brien, who was denied by Pears.
Blackburn recorded their first shot on target in the 86th minute, but Baradji's weak header was easily caught by Arthur Okonkwo.
Wrexham successfully managed the closing stages of the match, achieving their first clean sheet in eight games and ending Blackburn's three-match unbeaten streak.
Analysis: Rathbone's Impressive Comeback
Rathbone recently expressed feeling like the "forgotten man" upon returning from injury, but he made a strong statement with an outstanding performance against Blackburn.
The midfielder was granted ample time and space on the ball, showcasing a blend of skill and determination. He led Wrexham in duels and possession, with three interceptions and four tackles—the best numbers in the team.
Remarkably, Rathbone's three league goals this season have come at an impressive rate of one every 42.7 minutes, despite limited playing time due to injury.
Smith also had a commendable performance at Ewood Park. Despite the absence of two forward summer signings, Kieffer Moore and Ryan Hardie, Smith effectively led the attack and will have given Phil Parkinson much to consider following his display against Rovers.