Wrexham AFC eased into the Carabao Cup fourth round with a 2-0 victory over Reading at the STōK Cae Ras.
Nathan Broadhead struck twice in the second half to hand Phil Parkinson’s side their first appearance at this stage of the competition since 1977.
Broadhead Breaks Through
Both sides struggled to create clear chances during a tense first half, though Sam Smith and Kamari Doyle both went close before the break. The Red Dragons were patient and kept their composure, knowing the opportunity to strike would come.
It duly arrived after 57 minutes. Reading goalkeeper Coniah Boyce-Clarke palmed away a dangerous cross but the loose ball fell kindly for Broadhead, whose first effort was blocked before he curled home the rebound to open his account for the club.
The Wales international doubled the advantage just 13 minutes later. Ryan Barnett, making his 100th appearance for Wrexham, whipped in a fine cross from the right that Broadhead met emphatically, powering a header off the underside of the bar and beyond Boyce-Clarke. His brace gave the hosts breathing space and all but sealed progression.
Red Dragons On The March
Parkinson had rotated his line-up following the weekend’s thrilling 3-2 win over Norwich City, with George Thomason handed his first start since joining and Barnett marking his milestone appearance. The depth of the squad was evident, as Wrexham produced a professional performance against League One opposition who rarely troubled Callum Burton in the home goal.
Reading, without former Wrexham striker Jack Marriott but featuring Charlie Savage in midfield, struck the post through Doyle in the first half and saw Armando Broja test Burton after the interval. However, their moments of promise were fleeting as the visitors struggled to contain Wrexham’s intensity after falling behind.
The hosts might have added further gloss late on, with Smith and substitute Ryan Hardie both seeing efforts blocked. Still, Broadhead’s double was enough to ensure history was made in front of 9,457 supporters, including a poignant minute’s silence before kick-off marking 91 years since the Gresford Colliery Disaster.
Writer’s View
For Wrexham, this was more than just another cup tie. Progression to the last 16 of the Carabao Cup for the first time in almost half a century is another marker of how far the club has come under Parkinson’s guidance. Broadhead’s brace will boost confidence further, with his link-up play alongside Smith and Elliot Lee looking increasingly sharp.
The depth of the squad, illustrated by the likes of Thomason and Hardie stepping in, shows why the Red Dragons are becoming a force to be reckoned with on multiple fronts this season. The dream of a Wembley return is no longer fanciful — it feels within reach.
