Wrexham’s push for a fourth straight promotion came to an end as they drew 2-2 at home to Middlesbrough on the final day of the Championship season.
Tommy Conway gave the visitors a scrappy lead after just four minutes, pouncing on a Callum Brittain cross that neither Danny Ward nor Dominic Hyam managed to deal with.
Wrexham levelled in the 28th minute through a stunning Josh Windass free-kick, and then dragged themselves in front as Sam Smith ghosted the Boro defence and fired a bullet header beyond Sol Brynn from Issa Kabore’s cross.
However, that lead lasted just two minutes, with David Strelec poking home an expert delivery from Matt Targett just before half-time.
Wrexham pushed hard in the second half, but were largely restricted to pot shots and half-chances thanks to a resolute Boro defensive display.
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Dael Fry leads the way as Boro spoil Wrexham promotion push
Wrexham have been on an incredible ride over the past few years, on the charge all the way from the National League to the Championship, backed by their Hollywood owners.
The Welsh side went into their final-day home clash against Boro occupying the final playoff spot, but knew a slip-up would open the door for Hull City and Derby County.
Had they been able to pick their opponent, they likely wouldn’t have chosen Boro, who overcame a recent seven-game slump to beat Sheffield Wednesday and Watford in their two games leading up to this one, leaving them with a slim chance of automatic promotion.
While they didn’t manage to climb into the top two, Kim Hellberg’s side did succeed in spoiling the party in North Wales.
Being beaten to the ball by Smith on Wrexham’s second goal aside, Dael Fry was flawless for the visitors and epitomised everything about this Boro display.
The Teessiders’ captain made a whopping 13 clearances at the Racecourse Ground, alongside two blocks, a last-man tackle, an interception and seven recoveries — while he also won four of his seven ground duels.
Fry was the man constantly in the way of the Wrexham onslaught, coming up with the sort of last-ditch defensive interventions that had the home supporters practically crying in frustration.
Wrexham will be back for more
For a short while, Wrexham actually occupied sixth without even winning against Boro, with Hull drawing against Norwich and Derby being held by Sheffield United.
The latter collapsed with two goals conceded in seven minutes at home to the Blades. However, as they have been so many times this season, Hull were saved by Ollie McBurnie, who scored in the 67th minute to seal his brace, deliver a 2-1 win at home to Norwich, and seal the final playoff spot.
Wrexham were met by a standing ovation from their supporters at the final whistle, and this is anything but the end of the journey for Phil Parkinson and his side. You can rest assured that they’ll be back with a point to prove in the Championship next season.