Wrexham vs Charlton Athletic. Sky Bet League One.
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Wrexham 3-0 Charlton: Welsh club make history with third straight promotion
Saturday 26 April 2025 20:42, UK
Sam Smith inspired Wrexham to a 3-0 win over Charlton as they confirmed their third promotion in a row, sealing a place in the Championship in front of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
The hosts took an early lead through Ollie Rathbone, who struck first time from the edge of the box in the 16th minute and found the bottom corner.
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The Welsh side doubled their advantage two minutes later when Matty James set up Smith smartly in the box and the forward volleyed in from close range.
Tennai Watson got in behind the Wrexham backline just past the half-hour mark and got a shot away but his chance was saved by goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
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Early in the second half, Watson drove down the wing and delivered a brilliant low cross into the box, which was intended for substitute Micah Mbick, but Max Cleworth managed to clear.
Wrexham got a third with just under 10 minutes remaining when Cleworth delivered a delightful cross into Smith, who guided it into the back of the net.
The result ended Charlton's own hopes of automatic promotion, although their place in the Sky Bet League One play-offs is secure.
Parkinson proud after another promotion
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson to Sky Sports:
"I really did [enjoy that] because when the big games come, it's important you produce one of your best performances.
"We did it last week at Blackpool and we backed it up today. That makes me very proud.
"I want to savour it because everyone has talked about the history of it but it can never be taken away from this group of players and the staff.
"The division has been strong this year and I thought 'let's see' because we had a lot of players who had to adapt to the level, but they've stepped up to the plate.
"There's a few unknowns who have never played at this level before but they've adapted so well.
"The mentality in the group today was very strong today. You need players to step up when it matters the most and I thought we did that today."
Reynolds: We wouldn't be here if it wasn't for history
Wrexham owner Ryan Reynolds speaking to Sky Sports:
"It just seemed like an impossible dream. We're story-tellers, and when you're story-tellers you look at the macro view of this history.
"We wouldn't be here right now if it wasn't for the history of the club. The Gresford disaster and Mickey Thomas - who is a huge and pivotal point of aspiration for the club, and a goal to reach that feeling again.
"Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer. This coaching staff - the greatest dressing room in sports I think I've ever seen before.
"Folks who are all for one, and one for all. This community. I'm speechless with their passion, emotion and transformation.
"There are so many beating hearts of this club, but it all comes back to Phil and that leadership in the locker room.
"We don't make football decisions, thank God! The faith the club has in Phil and the community that speaks volumes.
"We said five years ago our goal was to make it to the Premier League. There were understandably a lot of laughs but it feels like a thing that could make it to fruition right now."
