Wrexham A.F.C. strengthened their bid for a Championship play-off place after defeating rivals Swansea City A.F.C. in a tense Welsh derby at the Stok Cae Ras.
The victory opened a six-point cushion for Wrexham in the top six, tightening their grip on a play-off position with only eight matches remaining in the season.
Nathan Broadhead proved decisive for the hosts, scoring midway through the first half after capitalising on a well-worked move involving Lewis O’Brien and Callum Doyle. Broadhead cut past a defender before firing home from a tight angle to give Wrexham the lead.
Despite falling behind, Swansea controlled large spells of possession and had earlier come close through Championship top scorer Zan Vipotnik. The striker broke through on goal in the first half but was denied by a crucial save from Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Swansea pushed hard for an equaliser after the break, introducing fresh attacking options including Liam Cullen and Eom Ji-sung. However, Okonkwo continued to frustrate the visitors with key saves, including a strong stop to deny a powerful effort from Marko Stamenic.
Wrexham sealed the result late in the game when Doyle headed a cross from George Thomason, with the ball deflecting off Cullen and into the net.
The win keeps Wrexham firmly in the play-off places and gives manager Phil Parkinson momentum after recent defeats to Chelsea F.C. and Hull City A.F.C..
For Swansea, the defeat leaves them 12th in the table and eight points off the play-off spots, dealing a significant blow to their hopes of making the top six before the season ends.
