Matty James celebrates stunning goal for Wrexham against Derby in Championship clash
Wrexham’s fairytale rise shows no signs of slowing down as a spectacular Matty James strike inspired a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Derby at Pride Park, extending the Red Dragons’ winning streak to four matches.
With Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney watching their investment continue to pay dividends, Phil Parkinson’s side now sit just one point outside the Championship play-off places and firmly in the promotion conversation.
Wrexham came out firing and nearly took an early lead when Nathan Broadhead struck the post inside three minutes, only to blaze the rebound over. Sam Smith then headed wide under pressure shortly after, while Josh Windass forced a smart save at the other end as Derby tried to settle into the contest.
The breakthrough arrived in the 25th minute when Smith timed his run perfectly to sweep home Broadhead’s low cross from close range, giving Wrexham a deserved lead.
The hosts hit back quickly, as Ben Brereton Diaz produced a moment of quality just nine minutes later. Driving forward with confidence, he sold a clever dummy before drilling the ball into the corner past Arthur Okonkwo to level the score.
Broadhead had chances to restore Wrexham’s lead before and after the break, including a glaring miss just seconds into the second half after Derby goalkeeper Jacob Widell Zetterstrom gifted him an open net.
Wrexham were not to be denied. In the 48th minute, Matty James picked up the ball around 25 yards from goal and unleashed a stunning strike that dipped and swerved into the top corner, leaving Zetterstrom helpless and sparking wild celebrations among the travelling fans.
Derby pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages, but Wrexham showed grit and maturity to see out the result and secure another vital three points.
Having already beaten Sheffield United, Preston, Blackburn, and now Derby in succession, Wrexham’s momentum could not be stronger. Attention now turns to an FA Cup showdown with Premier League side Nottingham Forest, while January transfer window decisions may further shape their promotion push.
While not dominant throughout, James’ long-range thunderbolt proved decisive and lit up the contest. One strike, one moment, and three huge points for Wrexham.
Nathan Broadhead could easily have stolen the headlines on another day, but missed chances kept the scoreline tighter than it needed to be. For Derby, Patrick Agyemang’s tireless running deserved more reward.
As the Championship season heats up, Wrexham continue to dare to dream — and with four wins on the bounce, that dream is starting to feel very real.
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