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Wrexham climbed back into the Championship play-off spots following a gritty 1-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough.
Sam Smith’s fourth goal in just six Championship matches secured the win, propelling the Red Dragons into sixth place after Derby’s heavy win against Bristol City on Friday.
Things are looking increasingly bleak for Wednesday this season, especially after the recent exit of their captain and star player, Barry Bannan.
In contrast, Wrexham entered this match with only one defeat in their last eight games across all competitions, understanding that a win was essential to maintain their play-off ambitions.
Issa Kaboré kicked off the action by testing Owls goalkeeper Murphy Cooper with a strike from outside the box, capitalizing on a weak clearance from Reece Johnson.
At the opposite end, debutant Jerry Yates, on loan from Luton, had a chance after being set up by Jamal Lowe, but he sent his shot over the bar.
Nathan Broadhead nearly found the net after a promising move from Callum Doyle on the left, but he misjudged his header from close range.
Doyle himself had a chance but was thwarted by Liam Cooper, who made a crucial block to deny him.
Just before halftime, Ben Sheaf’s volley clipped the top of the net following a well-placed cross, marking the last opportunity of the half.
The breakthrough for Wrexham came in the 58th minute when Kaboré delivered a dangerous cross from the right, allowing Smith to poke the ball home at the back post.
Smith almost doubled his tally shortly after, following a powerful run from Matty James, but Cooper managed to tip his shot around the post.
The duo of Kaboré and Smith combined once more, but this time Smith’s attempt at the near post went wide.
Sheffield Wednesday had their best chances within a minute; first, Lowe played through Bailey Cadamarteri, forcing keeper Arthur Okonkwo to make a crucial save.
From the resulting corner taken by Svante Ingelsson, Lowe’s effort from the back post was brilliantly cleared off the line by James.
From that moment on, Wrexham stood firm defensively and managed to see out the match, securing all three points.