Wrexham 2-1 Preston North End: Post-match review, Stats, Key moments

Dive into Coral’s post-match review of Wrexham 2-1 Preston North End in the Championship on Monday, 29 December 2025, with stats, key moments and our take on the match.

Wrexham grabbed a 2-1 win over Preston North End in a tight contest at home. The first half saw Wrexham take the lead when Nathan Broadhead scored in the 39th minute, assisted by Kieffer Moore, giving them a deserved edge after a spell of pressure. Coming off a mixed run with wins against Sheffield United but losses to Swansea and Hull, Wrexham looked keen to build momentum, though Preston, who had been drawing a lot lately like their 0-0 with Stoke, pushed back without finding the net before the break.

The second half started with Wrexham making a change at the 46th minute as Sam Smith replaced Kieffer Moore, and they extended their lead when Ollie Rathbone netted in the 77th minute, assisted by George Dobson. Preston fought back late with Alfie Devine pulling one back in the 84th minute, assisted by Michael Smith, making for a nervy finish. This victory helps Wrexham bounce back from recent dips, while Preston’s loss ends a streak of draws and a win against Oxford, leaving them to regroup.

Preston North End edged possession with 54% compared to Wrexham’s 46%, suggesting they controlled more of the ball, but Wrexham made their moments count on the counter. Both sides had three corners each, showing even chances from set pieces, though Preston dominated successful dribbles with 50 against Wrexham’s 20, hinting at more flair in their attacks. No cards were shown, keeping things clean, and there were no penalties or injury-time goals, with Wrexham recording two assists to Preston’s one, underlining their sharper finishing.

Wrexham used four substitutions, starting with Sam Smith coming on for Kieffer Moore at 46 minutes, followed by George Dobson replacing Ben Sheaf and Ollie Rathbone for Josh Windass both at 70 minutes, and Jay Rodríguez taking over from Nathan Broadhead at 86 minutes. Preston made five changes, with Pol Valentín replacing Brad Potts at 59 minutes, Michael Smith for Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen at 64 minutes, then Jamal Piaras Lewis for Harrison Armstrong and Will Keane for Daniel Jebbison both at 78 minutes, and Alistair Edward McCann for Liam Lindsay at 79 minutes, which seemed aimed at chasing the game late on.

The game turned on key goals, with Nathan Broadhead breaking the deadlock for Wrexham in the 39th minute after a neat assist from Kieffer Moore, shifting momentum their way just before half-time. Wrexham’s double substitution at 70 minutes paid off when Ollie Rathbone, who had just come on for Josh Windass, scored in the 77th minute with help from fellow sub George Dobson, who replaced Ben Sheaf, making it 2-0 and seemingly sealing the win. Preston’s response came late as Alfie Devine found the net in the 84th minute, assisted by Michael Smith who had entered at 64 minutes for Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen, but it wasn’t enough despite their flurry of changes around the 78th and 79th minutes.

Wrexham lined up in a 3-4-2-1 shape, which allowed them to stay compact at the back while pushing forward through partnerships like Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore, who combined for the opener before Moore was replaced by Sam Smith at half-time. Ollie Rathbone made an impact after coming on for Josh Windass, linking well with George Dobson who substituted for Ben Sheaf, adding energy in midfield.

Preston North End set up in a 3-4-2-1 formation, focusing on width and midfield control, with players like Mads Frøkjaer-Jensen involved early before Michael Smith replaced him to boost the attack. Late subs such as Will Keane for Daniel Jebbison and Alistair Edward McCann for Liam Lindsay aimed to chase the game, while Alfie Devine provided a spark with his goal.

Nathan Broadhead earned Coral’s Man of the Match honours for Wrexham, standing out with his goal in the 39th minute that set the tone, along with one key pass that helped create opportunities. Though he didn’t notch assists or big chances, his overall contribution was vital in a game where Wrexham needed sharp finishing, before he was replaced by Jay Rodríguez late on.

Recent Championship matches:

• Win: 2-1 vs Preston North End (H)
• Win: 5-3 vs Sheffield United (H)
• Loss: 1-2 vs Swansea City (A)
• Draw: 2-2 vs Watford (H)
• Loss: 0-2 vs Hull City (A)

Recent Championship matches:

• Loss: 1-2 vs Wrexham (A)
• Draw: 0-0 vs Stoke City (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Norwich City (H)
• Win: 2-1 vs Oxford United (A)
• Draw: 1-1 vs Coventry City (H)

Wrexham have just beaten Preston North End 2-1 at home, a result that builds on their recent wins like the 5-3 thriller against Sheffield United and helps recover from losses to Swansea City and Hull City. Sitting 11th on 34 points, they’ll look to climb the table when they face Blackburn Rovers, who are 19th on 27 points, on 1 January 2026 at 12:30 – a chance to pull further away from the mid-table pack and keep their season on track.

Preston North End have just lost 2-1 away to Wrexham, ending a run that included draws with Stoke City and Norwich City plus a win over Oxford United. Currently seventh on 37 points, they’ll aim to bounce back and hold onto their playoff push against bottom side Sheffield Wednesday, who are 24th on -7 points, on 1 January 2026 at 15:00 – a good opportunity to get points on the board against struggling opposition.

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