Wrexham 2-1 Preston North End: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Wrexham secured a 2-1 victory over Preston North End at home. The hosts took the lead just before the break when Nathan Broadhead scored in the 39th minute, giving them a deserved edge after a competitive first half. At half-time, Wrexham made a change with Sam Smith replacing Kieffer Moore, and they continued to press, building on their recent wins including a 5-3 triumph over Sheffield United.

The second half saw Wrexham extend their advantage in the 77th minute through Ollie Rathbone, who had come on as a substitute earlier at the 70-minute mark alongside George Dobson. Preston North End pulled one back late on when Alfie Devine netted in the 84th minute, but it wasn’t enough to salvage a point despite their recent run of draws. This result boosts Wrexham after mixed form with losses to Swansea City and Hull City, while Preston will rue another away setback following their draw at Stoke City.

Preston North End edged possession with 54% compared to Wrexham’s 46%, suggesting they controlled more of the ball but couldn’t convert it into clear dominance. Both sides were level on corners at three each, yet Preston’s 50 successful dribbles dwarfed Wrexham’s 20, indicating the visitors were more effective at beating defenders and creating individual threats. Wrexham recorded two assists to Preston’s one, which aligned with their clinical finishing, and neither team saw cards or penalties, keeping the game flowing without major disciplinary interruptions.

On substitutions, Wrexham used four with Sam Smith coming on for Kieffer Moore at 46 minutes, George Dobson replacing Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone taking over from Josh Windass both at 70 minutes, plus Jay Rodríguez swapping in for Nathan Broadhead at 86 minutes. Preston deployed all five available, starting with Pol Valentín for Brad Potts at 59 minutes, followed by Michael Smith for Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen at 64 minutes, then a triple change around 78-79 minutes where Jamal Piaras Lewis replaced Harrison Armstrong, Will Keane came on for Daniel Jebbison, and Alistair Edward McCann took Liam Lindsay’s place.

The breakthrough came in the 39th minute when Nathan Broadhead scored for Wrexham, assisted by Kieffer Moore, shifting momentum towards the hosts after a balanced opening. Wrexham’s double substitution at 70 minutes proved pivotal, with George Dobson replacing Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone coming on for Josh Windass; Rathbone then netted the second goal in the 77th minute, assisted by Dobson, to give them a cushion. Preston responded late with Alfie Devine’s 84th-minute strike, assisted by substitute Michael Smith who had entered at 64 minutes for Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen, but earlier changes like Pol Valentín for Brad Potts at 59 minutes and a late flurry around 78-79 minutes couldn’t turn the tide.

Wrexham lined up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, which allowed them to maintain solidity at the back while pushing forward through key partnerships like Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore in attack. Broadhead’s role was crucial in breaking the deadlock, and substitutions strengthened midfield with George Dobson and Ollie Rathbone adding energy. Jay Rodríguez provided a late option up front after replacing Broadhead.

Preston North End also deployed a 3-4-2-1 shape, focusing on width and midfield control, with players like Alfie Devine stepping up to score late on. Substitutes such as Michael Smith, who assisted the goal after replacing Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen, and others like Pol Valentín for Brad Potts brought fresh legs. The setup aimed to exploit dribbling strengths, though it couldn’t overcome the deficit.

Nathan Broadhead earned Ladbrokes’ Man of the Match award for his standout performance, scoring one goal and delivering one key pass despite no assists or big chances created. His 39th-minute strike set Wrexham on their way to victory, highlighting his importance in the attacking setup. Broadhead’s efforts were central before he was replaced by Jay Rodríguez late in the game.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Preston North End (H)
• Win: 5-3 vs Sheffield United (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Swansea City (A)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Watford (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Hull City (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Wrexham (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Stoke City (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich City (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Oxford United (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Coventry City (H)

Wrexham have just beaten Preston North End 2-1 at home, a result that keeps them in 11th place on 34 points and builds on recent wins like their 5-3 success against Sheffield United, despite earlier setbacks such as the 1-2 loss at Swansea City. They next face Blackburn Rovers on 1 January 2026 at 12:30, with the opponents sitting 19th on 27 points, offering a chance to climb the table and pull further from mid-table congestion.

Preston North End have just lost 2-1 away to Wrexham, leaving them in seventh on 37 points after a run of draws including 0-0 at Stoke City and 1-1 against Norwich City, though they had a win at Oxford United before that. Their next fixture is against Sheffield Wednesday on 1 January 2026 at 15:00, with the opposition languishing in 24th on -7 points, presenting an opportunity to bounce back and solidify their position in the playoff hunt.

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Odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.