Wrexham clinches first Championship win in 43 years with 1‑0 victory over Oxford United

Kieran Lockhart

When Wrexham AFC edged out Oxford United 1‑0 at the Racecourse Ground on 22 October 2025, it marked the club’s first win in England’s second tier in 43 years.

The decisive strike came in the 14th minute when Nathan Broadhead, forward of Wrexham AFC slotted home a corner delivered by Kieffer Moore. The goal, his fourth of the 2025‑26 campaign, proved enough despite Callum Doyle, a 23‑year‑old defender, seeing red in the 65th minute.

Historic Context: From Non‑League to the Championship

Wrexham’s meteoric rise began when Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney purchased the club in 2021. Within three seasons the side secured three successive promotions: National League (2022‑23), League Two (2023‑24) and League One (2024‑25). The club’s ascent was unprecedented in Welsh football, and the victory over Oxford United cements its staying power in the Championship.

Until now, the last time Wrexham tasted second‑tier success was the 1981‑82 season, when they competed as a full‑time professional side before dropping back into the lower leagues. The 1‑0 win not only broke a 43‑year drought but also lifted the team to 15th place with eight points from six matches.

Match Overview and Key Moments

The game kicked off at 19:45 BST under clear skies. Oxford United, managed by Des Buckingham, entered the match on the back of a 2‑1 win against Derby County and sat just above the relegation zone.

• 14′ – Goal: Broadhead’s right‑footed finish from a Moore corner sent the home fans into a roar.
• 30′ – Oxford’s Will Lankshear forced a spectacular save from the Wrexham keeper.
• 65′ – Doyle received a straight red after a late challenge on Oxford’s striker.
• 78′ – Buckingham subbed Stan Mills for Lankshear, seeking an equaliser.
• 90+5′ – Goalkeeper Ben Parry made his fourth‑hour‑saving stop of the day.

Wrexham’s defensive shape held firm after the dismissal, with midfielders tracking back diligently. The YouTube highlights note that the goalkeeper made "four fabulous saves" – a testament to the tight contest.

Tactical Analysis

Phil Parkinson, age 57, opted for a compact 4‑4‑2 that morphed into a 4‑5‑1 after Doyle’s exit. The early goal allowed the manager to settle his side, focusing on disciplined defending rather than chasing the game.

ESPN’s post‑match commentary highlighted Broadhead’s decision‑making: "Broadhead maybe could take the shot… but decides it’s not probably the best probability from where he was with the bodies in front of him. So he just keeps it alive." The description captures Wrexham’s pragmatic approach – valuing possession retention over flashy chances.

Oxford, on the other hand, struggled to break the low‑block. Their best chance came from a well‑timed run by Thomasson, whose delivery from a set‑piece prompted a shot that rattled the post.

Reactions from Managers and Players

After the final whistle, Parkinson praised his squad’s resilience: "Playing with ten men and still holding on shows the character we’ve built this season." He added that the win was a "statement that Wrexham belong here."

Buckingham, while disappointed, remained optimistic: "We’ll learn from this. The red card was a turning point, but we’ll bounce back in the next fixtures."

Broadhead, the match‑winner, said in the post‑match interview, "Scoring early gave us the breathing room we needed. The team fought hard after the sending‑off; I’m proud of them."

Implications for the Championship Race

The three‑point haul propels Wrexham out of the immediate danger zone, creating a buffer of four points above the relegation places. For Oxford United, the defeat leaves them one point above the drop, making their upcoming fixtures crucial.

Statistically, Wrexham’s average possession rose to 58 % in this game, a marked improvement from their previous five matches where they hovered around 48 %. Their defensive record also tightened, conceding just one goal in six games – the lowest among the bottom half of the table.

Looking Ahead: What Comes Next?

Wrexham’s next challenge arrives on 26 October 2025 at home against a yet‑to‑be‑determined opponent. The coaching staff will likely rest Doyle’s replacement, perhaps giving a debut to a young academy prospect.

Oxford United travels to face Bristol City in a battle for survival. Buckingham hinted at a more attacking lineup, hoping to secure the points needed to stay clear of relegation.