Hull capitalized on Wrexham’s FA Cup hangover to tighten their hold on a Championship playoff spot, securing a 2-1 victory in North Wales that puts them six points ahead of the Red Dragons.
The match, a contest between the fifth and sixth-placed teams, was determined by goals from two of Hull’s loan players — Leeds’ Joe Gelhardt and Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas. It could have been worse for Wrexham had Gelhardt not missed a late first-half penalty kick.
As co-owner Ryan Reynolds watched on, Wrexham threatened a late comeback when Nathan Broadhead scored in the 76th minute. However, their rally fell short, allowing Hull to achieve eight wins in their last ten away league matches.
For much of the game, Wrexham appeared to be a shadow of the team that took Chelsea to extra time in their recent FA Cup loss, ending their three-game winning streak. This defeat cost them the opportunity to move into fifth place, leaving them just three points above Derby with a game in hand.
Wrexham was missing top scorer Kieffer Moore, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained against Chelsea. His absence may impact his participation in Wales’ World Cup qualifying playoff against Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 26.
The impact of Saturday’s intense game was felt by both teams, but Hull appeared more energized.
The first real opportunity came from Hull due to a blunder, with Cody Drameh intercepting a poor pass from Zak Vyner. Despite Callum Doyle’s effort to backtrack, Drameh’s shot was deflected onto the roof of the net, highlighting Wrexham’s struggles to retain possession in their half.
The hosts only threatened in the 27th minute when Ryan Longman surged forward to find Josh Windass, whose shot from a tight angle was parried by Ivor Pandur. Another promising Wrexham attempt led to a shot from Vyner being deflected over. Nonetheless, Hull soon celebrated their first goal.
Doyle fouled Charlie Hughes, conceding a free kick, which Gelhardt curled into the top corner despite a touch from Arthur Okonkwo.
Just two minutes later, Hull was awarded a penalty when Gelhardt was brought down by Doyle following a clever one-two with Oliver McBurnie. However, Gelhardt failed to convert, as Okonkwo made a great save to keep Wrexham in contention.
Wrexham made a substitution at halftime, bringing on Oliver Rathbone for Vyner, which improved their performance. However, Hull managed to double their lead shortly after the hour mark during a fast counter-attack.
Koumas initiated a surge down the field that ended with Okonkwo blocking Liam Millar’s shot. From the resulting corner, Millar delivered a cross that Koumas headed in.
With 14 minutes remaining, Wrexham revived their hopes when substitute Issa Kaboré provided a looping cross that Broadhead converted.
Broadhead had a chance to equalize in the 84th minute when a corner found him at the back post, but off-balance, he sent the ball high and Hull held on for the win.