Can Wrexham REALLY make it to the Premier League? Their latest victory suggests it might just be possible, as they shattered a SIXTY-YEAR curse! That's right, Wrexham stormed Ewood Park on New Year's Day, defeating Blackburn Rovers 2-0 and ending a New Year's away-day losing streak that stretched back to 1966! But here's where it gets controversial... Is this win just a flash in the pan, or a genuine sign that Wrexham is a force to be reckoned with in their quest for Championship promotion?
The match saw a dominant first-half performance from Wrexham, with Sam Smith's stunning counter-attack strike opening the scoring. Following that, Ollie Rathbone added a second with an absolutely thunderous volley. These two goals, scored before halftime, ultimately sealed the victory for the Red Dragons. This also extends their winning streak to three games, a fantastic run of form since their defeat to Welsh rivals Swansea on December 19th. And this is the part most people miss... This consistent performance is precisely what's propelled them into serious contention for a coveted play-off spot as we enter the new year.
Even before the match began, the form book hinted at a tough game for Blackburn, even on their home turf. Wrexham's attacking prowess has been evident throughout the season. Blackburn's challenge escalated further when Smith found the back of the net in the 11th minute. A pinpoint long ball from Matty James found Smith, who, with a single touch, unleashed a powerful, angled shot from the edge of the box that left Blackburn keeper Aynsley Pears with no chance. It was Smith's first goal since August against West Brom, and it served as a clear declaration of Wrexham's intentions. Did you know that Wrexham has scored eight goals in the opening 15 minutes of their first halves so far this season? Only Sheffield United, with nine, have managed more. A testament to their fast starts!
Meanwhile, Blackburn's struggles to recover from deficits have been apparent. They hadn't managed to overturn a losing position since their comeback victory against Southampton back in October. And when Rathbone unleashed his unstoppable volley just seven minutes before the break, it effectively extinguished any hopes of a Blackburn revival. The midfielder, adding a layer of personal significance to the match, as his father had previously played for Rovers, connected perfectly with a poorly defended free-kick delivered by James from the right wing, sending the ball soaring past Pears.
Despite a brief rally after half-time, Blackburn simply couldn't generate the volume of quality chances needed to trouble Wrexham's defense. In fact, they only managed a single shot on target throughout the entire 90 minutes, a dismal statistic for Valerien Ismael's side. The victory marks Wrexham's first away win on New Year's Day since 1966, ending a long and frustrating run of eight failed attempts. This result leaves Blackburn anxiously looking over their shoulders, as they are only five points clear of the dreaded relegation zone.
At the other end of the table, the mood is decidedly more optimistic. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, the Hollywood owners of the Red Dragons, can now legitimately dream of promotion to the Premier League. They are within striking distance of the play-off places, and with the January transfer window approaching, the possibility of further strengthening their squad looms large. Could we see Wrexham making a serious push for the top flight? What signings do you think they need to make in January to solidify their play-off chances? Do you believe their Hollywood ownership gives them an unfair advantage? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
