Wrexham round off season in style with Lincoln win

BBC News

03-05-2025

Wrexham kept the promotion celebrations going as they signed off from League One with a comfortable and clinical win at Lincoln City.Elliot Lee and Ryan Longman's second-half goals earned a 27th victory of a campaign that sees them return to the second tier for the first time in 43 years.It took Phil Parkinson's side onto 92 points, ending the midtable Imps' unbeaten run at home that had stretched back to February.Michael Skubala's Lincoln finished 11th in the final table, 15 points ahead of the relegation places and 17 points off the play-offs.But Wrexham, runners up behind title-winners Birmingham City, again underlined why they will be playing Championship football next season after an unprecedented third straight promotion as they made the most of the chances they forged, despite an under-par opening period.
Providing the quality when it mattered and staying strong defensively when needed has been key for Parkinson's team who will now be playing second-tier football in three months' time – two years on from being in non-league.It was fitting that it was Lee who opened the scoring too; the only change from last week's promotion-sealing win over Charlton Athletic, the midfielder was among those who had been in the side that had earned that first step out of the National League.And his goal was needed too. Wrexham were – understandably – below par to begin with, with Lincoln perhaps frustrated they failed to make more of their opponent's off-key start.The first-half drabness was in contrast to the final day colour provided by supporters, certainly among the travelling Wrexham fans.In a fancy-dress farewell to the third tier, jockeys, nuns, clowns and – of course – Deadpool all made the most of the occasion.And all at a ground where, 17 years ago to the day, Wrexham had been forced to say farewell to the Football League in their final match before relegation to non-league.Times are different now and it is why supporters were keen to make the most of the moment.Poignantly, though, before the celebrations there was time for remembrance and reflection, with fans of both sides staying solemnly silent as respects were paid 40 years on from the Bradford City fire disaster.Lincoln had been the opponents on that tragic day at Valley Parade with two Imps fans – Bill Stacey and Jim West – among the 56 who died. Mr Stacey's family and Lincoln captain Paudie O'Connor laid a wreath in front of the Stacey West Stand.When play began following the tribute, it was Lincoln who enjoyed the better of the opening 45 minutes.If not for some sharp reactions from Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo, Skubala's side could have easily taken a lead into the break with both James Gardner and Reeco Hackett threatening.But Wrexham emerged from the interval far more like their promotion-winning selves, with their rediscovered energy rewarded 53 minutes in as Lee powered a header home from Longman's cross from the right.It was a sweeping move from Wrexham for the breakthrough, and it was another impressive passing combination that provided the second with Longman this time finishing after being played in by James McClean.Lincoln substitute Jack Moylan was denied at the near post by Okonkwo as the Imps tried to dampen the party atmosphere.But Wrexham kept their clean sheet to continue the celebrations to end an historic season for the north Wales club.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales:"We wanted to finish in a professional manner and we spoke to the lads about that."The perception of the group celebrations last week and the lads jetting out to Vegas this week – but in between that we wanted to finish the season well."92 points from 46 games, I'm really pleased with that and I'm also delighted with 26 points from the last 11 away games – that's an outstanding return at any level of football."Difficult first half, the wind was probably stronger than people realised and we didn't quite get the control we wanted."But I thought second half, certainly for the first 20-25 minutes, we were different class."Lincoln City head coach Michael Skubala told BBC Radio Lincolnshire:"I honestly thought we were so good first half – we did everything but score. You saw a team that wanted to take it to Wrexham."But you always know against Wrexham that if you don't score they stick it out and they win 1-0."They did what they do, which is put it in the box and score to make it 1-0 and then it becomes a really tough afternoon. The lads were deflated."Not where we wanted to finish this season but I'm really proud of the lads and really proud of what they've been doing."