Ollie Rathbone celebrated his first league start of the season by scoring a stunning goal, helping Wrexham secure a 2-0 victory over Blackburn, marking their third consecutive Championship win and improving their playoff chances.
Despite traveling to Ewood Park without away victories in their last eight matches and missing injured players Kieffer Moore and Josh Windass, Phil Parkinson’s squad came out strong.
Sam Smith and Rathbone made a significant impact, with Smith netting the opener in the 11th minute for his second goal of the season.
Rathbone then extended the lead with a brilliant volley, expertly connecting with the ball as it dropped over his shoulder, scoring in back-to-back matches.
Although Blackburn’s Moussa Baradji hit the crossbar in the second half, Wrexham looked solid and in control, never appearing likely to relinquish their lead.
Blackburn’s home performance was lackluster, and with only one win in their last eight matches, they must improve to alleviate relegation worries.
The game began with Matty Litherland testing the waters from 20 yards, but Wrexham capitalized on a gap in the high Rovers defense in the 11th minute. Matty James delivered a perfectly weighted ball to Smith, who took a touch and smashed in a left-footed strike that caught Aynsley Pears off guard at his near post.
Wrexham nearly added a second soon after when they outmuscled Todd Cantwell, resulting in Ryan Longman’s cross being diverted into the side-netting by Smith.
In complete control, Wrexham added another goal in the 38th minute from a well-executed set-piece. Dan Scarr’s header found Rathbone 12 yards out, who, despite pressure from Ryan Hedges, struck a sensational volley that soared over Pears and into the net.
Blackburn attempted to respond quickly, with Sondre Tronstad’s powerful volley blocked before they came close to scoring in the 56th minute. Litherland’s pass found Baradji, whose fierce shot hit the underside of the bar and stayed out.
Wrexham nearly capitalized on the counterattack as Smith set up Lewis O’Brien, whose shot was well saved by Pears, denying what could have been a third goal.
Yuki Ohashi dragged a late effort wide, but Wrexham comfortably held onto their lead, and the final whistle was met with boos from the home crowd.