wrexham Stuns Preston in Dramatic Carabao Cup Upset
wrexham pulled off a thrilling victory against Championship side Preston north End in the Carabao Cup, securing a spot in the third round for the first time since 1981.A late goal from Kieffer Moore sealed a 3-2 win,showcasing the Welsh club’s growing confidence and ambition.
This victory isn’t just about advancing in a cup competition; it’s a statement. Wrexham,backed by Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney,are proving they belong on a bigger stage.Manager Phil Parkinson emphasized this after the match, noting the team’s need to ”play with that bit of swagger and accept that we belong on this stage.”
Match Highlights: A Back-and-Forth Battle
The match was a captivating display of attacking football and resilience from both sides. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments:
Early Preston Lead: Lewis Dobbin opened the scoring for preston in the 7th minute with a well-placed finish.
Hardie’s Impressive Equalizer: Ryan Hardie responded quickly with a stunning lob over the Preston goalkeeper, Jack Walton, leveling the score.
Preston Regains Advantage: Liam Lindsay headed home from a corner in the 29th minute, putting Preston back in front.
Ashfield Levels Again: Harry Ashfield‘s deflected shot in the 59th minute brought Wrexham level for the second time.
Late Drama & Moore’s Winner: A costly error by Walton in stoppage time allowed Kieffer Moore to poke the ball home, securing the win for Wrexham.
The game also saw promising performances from young players. Daniel Jebbison had an early possibility for Preston, while Wrexham’s 18-year-old Theo carroll created chances despite blazing an early shot over the bar.
Parkinson praises young Star
Parkinson specifically highlighted the performance of harry Ashfield, who stepped up against a highly-rated opponent. “he deserves to be around the squad as he trains well every day,” Parkinson said. “He was up against Alfie Devine, who is valued at a lot of money, and I said ‘What a test for you tonight.’ Afterwards, the press will be speaking about Harry Ashfield and not Alfie Devine.”
Goalkeeping Duel & defensive Resilience
Both goalkeepers were kept busy throughout the match. Wrexham’s Arthur Okonkwo made several crucial saves, denying Alfie Devine and Michael Smith. Preston’s Walton,unluckily,was the source of the decisive error.
The match demonstrated Wrexham’s growing defensive solidity, with the team weathering periods of pressure from Preston. They were able to capitalize on their opponent’s mistakes, ultimately securing a memorable victory.
What This Means for Wrexham
this Carabao Cup win is more than just a result.It’s a sign of Wrexham’s progress and a boost to their confidence as they continue their journey in English football. You can expect this victory to fuel their ambition and inspire further success.
This result will undoubtedly turn heads and further solidify Wrexham’s position as a team to watch. It’s a testament to the hard work of the players, the tactical acumen of Phil Parkinson, and the unwavering support of the club’s passionate fanbase.
Data from PA was used in this report.*
![Best Irons of [Year]: Top-Rated for Power & Playability](https://i0.wp.com/golf.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Srixon-ZXi5-irons.jpg?resize=330%2C220&ssl=1 "Best Irons of [Year]: Top-Rated for Power & Playability")
![QLED TV Lifespan: How Long Does It Last? [Expert Insights]](https://i0.wp.com/www.bgr.com/img/gallery/how-long-will-a-qled-tv-actually-last-heres-what-experts-say/l-intro-1765477196.jpg?resize=150%2C100&ssl=1 "QLED TV Lifespan: How Long Does It Last? [Expert Insights]")