The Carabao Cup often brings drama, surprises, and unforgettable nights, and Tuesday evening’s clash at Deepdale between Preston North End and Wrexham was no exception. In a pulsating second-round encounter that swung one way and then the other, Wrexham secured a thrilling 3-2 victory courtesy of a late strike from Kieffer Moore, sending them into the third round and keeping alive their dream of a deep run in the competition.
For Wrexham, still basking in the glow of their Hollywood-backed revival, the victory was another reminder that they are no longer just a feel-good story but a competitive force capable of standing tall against established Championship sides. For Preston, the defeat was bitter—particularly because they had twice fought back to level before succumbing in the dying moments.
First Half Wrexham Start on the Front Foot
The match began with Preston, as the home side, expected to dictate the tempo. Instead, it was Wrexham who came out flying. Manager Phil Parkinson had urged his players to take the game to Preston, and his words were heeded from the opening whistle.
Wrexham’s wing-backs pushed high, with Callum McFadzean and Ryan Barnett offering constant width. In midfield, Elliot Lee orchestrated play with calm assurance, while Ollie Palmer’s physical presence unsettled Preston’s backline.
The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Palmer’s flick-on found Paul Mullin, who darted between two defenders before calmly slotting past Freddie Woodman. The traveling Wrexham supporters erupted in celebration, their chants echoing through Deepdale as Mullin celebrated yet another big goal in a growing collection of memorable moments for the Welsh striker.
Preston responded with urgency, and their first clear chance came from Emil Riis Jakobsen, whose powerful drive forced a fingertip save from Mark Howard. However, Wrexham’s defensive discipline and counterattacking threat continued to keep the home side off balance.
Preston Equalize but Wrexham Strike Again
Despite Wrexham’s impressive start, Preston’s Championship pedigree began to show as the half wore on. Their equalizer arrived in the 32nd minute, when Alan Browne picked out Duane Holmes with a clever pass. Holmes’ low cross deflected off a Wrexham defender and fell kindly to Milutin Osmajić, who made no mistake from close range.
The goal ignited the home crowd and shifted momentum. Suddenly, Preston were on the front foot, peppering Howard’s goal with shots. Yet, just when it seemed Wrexham were under real pressure, they stunned the hosts again.
In the 40th minute, Elliot Lee picked up possession on the edge of the box and unleashed a curling effort into the top corner. The strike was a moment of sheer quality that silenced Deepdale once more and restored Wrexham’s lead heading into the break.
Second Half Tension Builds
The second half began with Preston throwing men forward in search of another equalizer. Wrexham’s defensive shape was tested repeatedly as crosses and set pieces rained into their penalty area. Captain Ben Tozer was immense, leading by example with towering clearances and timely interceptions.
Preston’s persistence paid off in the 63rd minute. A free-kick from Browne was swung into the box, and Liam Lindsay rose highest to nod the ball past Howard, making it 2-2. This time, the home supporters believed momentum would finally tilt in their favor.
But Wrexham refused to wilt. They slowed the tempo when necessary, broke quickly when opportunities arose, and always carried the sense that another goal was possible. Mullin and Palmer continued to occupy Preston’s defenders, while Lee buzzed in midfield, knitting together Wrexham’s counterattacks.
Moore’s Late Heroics
As the clock ticked past 80 minutes, both managers made changes in search of a decisive goal. Preston brought on fresh legs to sustain their pressure, while Parkinson introduced Kieffer Moore, hoping the towering striker’s physical presence could unsettle Preston’s tiring defense.
The decision proved inspired. In the 88th minute, a swift Wrexham counter saw Barnett release Mullin down the right flank. Mullin’s low cross evaded Palmer but fell perfectly for Moore, who hammered the ball into the roof of the net.
Wrexham’s bench erupted, and the away fans behind the goal went wild. The goal not only restored Wrexham’s lead but also drained the energy out of Preston’s late push. Despite throwing everything forward in stoppage time, Preston couldn’t find another equalizer.
At the final whistle, Wrexham’s players embraced joyfully, aware they had just delivered another famous night for the club’s growing narrative.
Post-Match Reactions
Speaking after the match, Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson praised his team’s resilience and composure under pressure.
“We knew coming here would be tough, but the lads gave everything. To score three goals away from home against a Championship side shows how far we’ve come. I’m delighted for Kieffer—he’s worked so hard since joining us, and to score the winner in a game like this is fantastic.”
Preston boss Ryan Lowe admitted his disappointment but credited Wrexham for their clinical edge.
“We had enough chances to win the game, but at this level, you have to take them. Wrexham were ruthless in key moments, and that’s why they’re going through. It hurts, but we’ll regroup.”
Moore, the match-winner, was visibly emotional as he addressed the traveling supporters.
“I’ve dreamed of moments like this since joining the club. To come on and score the winner in front of our fans is special. This is just the beginning—we want to go as far as we can in this competition.”
The Significance for Wrexham
For Wrexham, this victory was more than just progression to the third round of the Carabao Cup. It was symbolic of their ongoing journey from a National League side struggling for relevance to a club now competing credibly against Championship opposition.
The Hollywood-backed ownership of Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has brought global attention, but results like this demonstrate that the football side of the project is moving in the right direction.
A third-round berth also carries financial benefits, potential TV exposure, and the tantalizing possibility of drawing one of England’s elite clubs. For supporters who endured years of lower-league obscurity, the excitement is palpable.
Player Ratings
- Mark Howard (GK) – 7.5: Made key saves in both halves, though perhaps could have done better on Preston’s first equalizer.
- Ben Tozer (CB) – 8.5: Immense at the back, constantly repelling Preston’s attacks.
- Callum McFadzean (LWB) – 7: Provided width and energy, though faded late on.
- Ryan Barnett (RWB) – 8: His energy down the flank created Wrexham’s winner.
- Elliot Lee (CM) – 9: Pulled strings throughout and scored a superb goal.
- Paul Mullin (FW) – 8: A constant threat, scored early and assisted the winner.
- Ollie Palmer (FW) – 7.5: Battled hard, unsettled Preston’s defense all night.
- Kieffer Moore (Sub) – 9: Came on and delivered the decisive goal.
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