Wrexham celebrate milestone victory in FA Cup 2026

Key Points

• Wrexham AFC defeated Ipswich Town to reach the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in 29 years, following their third-round victory over Nottingham Forest.
• Josh Windass scored the decisive goal, securing back-to-back home wins in the competition.
• Manager Phil Parkinson urged savouring the moment but emphasised focus on the league, calling his side “greedy” for more successes at Stok Cae Ras.
• The win coincides with the fifth anniversary of Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney taking charge in February 2021, when Wrexham were seventh in the National League.
• Ollie Rathbone described the club’s trajectory as an “incredible journey” and expressed desire to keep adding to it.
• Ipswich Town, managed by Kieran McKenna, made 10 changes to their lineup prioritising Championship promotion; they failed to register a shot on target.
• Parkinson noted the significance for owners: “great for our owners, Rob and Ryan, it was their fifth year anniversary and to get them into the fifth round is great for them as well.”
• Windass hoped for “not a big team away” in the draw, while Parkinson preferred another home tie against a Premier League side.
• 1,269 Ipswich supporters travelled but saw their side exit; McKenna had no regrets over rotation, citing benefits for squad depth ahead of 16 league games.
• Wrexham now look forward to the fifth-round draw on Monday night ahead of their Bristol trip.

Wrexham (The Wales Times) February 14, 2026 – Wrexham AFC have advanced to the fifth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 29 years after defeating Ipswich Town, capping a remarkable week that included their third-round triumph over Nottingham Forest and the fifth anniversary of owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s takeover.[conversation context]

What Led to Wrexham’s FA Cup Triumph?

Josh Windass netted the decisive goal as Wrexham followed up their thrilling victory over Nottingham Forest with another impressive home win against the Tractor Boys.[conversation context] As reported by BBC Sport, Phil Parkinson was keen to reflect on the achievement: “Every season in football is special and you’ve got to savour it. The FA Cup is part of that and it was important that we backed up the Nottingham Forest win with another win tonight.”

The Red Dragons’ rise under Hollywood ownership has been relentless since Reynolds and McElhenney assumed control in February 2021, transforming a seventh-placed National League side into consistent cup contenders.[conversation context] Parkinson highlighted the timing: “I think it’s great for our owners, Rob and Ryan, it was their fifth year anniversary and to get them into the fifth round is great for them as well.”

How Did Phil Parkinson React to the Victory?

Parkinson, the 58-year-old manager, balanced celebration with pragmatism, stating: “We can really look forward to the draw on Monday night when we’re in the hotel in Bristol. We’ll savour that. But like we did last time, back burner now for the FA Cup, concentrate on the league.”[conversation context] When pressed on memorable nights becoming routine, he responded: “Let’s not get too blasé about it, but listen, we’ve had so many great nights here and we want more. We’re greedy, why shouldn’t we be?”

His ruthless focus has defined Wrexham’s glorious reign at Stok Cae Ras, where such achievements are now expected.[conversation context]

What Did Ollie Rathbone Say About the Journey?

Star midfielder Ollie Rathbone captured the club’s ambition in an interview with BBC Match of the Day Wales: “The club’s on an incredible journey and we just want to keep adding to that. It’s another special night, and it’s good to get back to winning ways at home.”[conversation context] Rathbone’s comments underscore the relentless drive fuelling Wrexham’s ascent.

Why Did Ipswich Town Underperform?

Kieran McKenna’s Ipswich made 10 changes from their 2-1 Championship win at Derby County six days prior, emphasising league priorities for a top-two finish and potential Premier League return.[conversation context] The 1,269 away fans witnessed no shots on target, a disappointing outing for the Tractor Boys.

As told to BBC Match of the Day Wales by McKenna: “Look, it was good players coming into the team. When you make a lot (of changes) at the same time, players who have not had a lot of minutes or need minutes, you’re not going to be at your absolute best. I know the reasons why we’ve done it. For me, the right reasons for the football club and I believe in the players who came in.”

What Were McKenna’s Thoughts Post-Match?

McKenna expressed no regrets: “The whole group will be stronger for it. We have 16 league games now in a really short space of time and we’re going to need all of those boys. We’re disappointed for the supporters that we couldn’t go through but we’ll use the lessons from tonight that will stand us in good stead for the weeks ahead.”[conversation context] His strategy prioritised squad rotation amid a congested fixture list.

How Significant Is This for Wrexham’s Owners?

The victory marks five years since Reynolds and McElhenney’s takeover, a period of full-steam-ahead progress with little time for reflection.[conversation context] Parkinson dedicated the run to them: “to get them into the fifth round is great for them as well.” BBC Sport linked to coverage of the anniversary, noting the club’s transformation.

What Are the Draw Preferences?

Parkinson hoped for a home tie against a Premier League team, aware of Wrexham’s strong home form.[conversation context] In contrast, goalscorer Josh Windass quipped: “Hopefully not a big team away because you don’t touch the ball,” highlighting the challenge of away fixtures at top clubs.[conversation context] The draw occurs Monday night, heightening anticipation.

When Is Wrexham’s Next Focus?

Post-match, Parkinson shifted gears: “back burner now for the FA Cup, concentrate on the league.”[conversation context] With league commitments paramount, the fifth-round tie represents a bonus amid their promotion push.

What Has Been Wrexham’s FA Cup History?

This is Wrexham’s first fifth-round appearance since 1997, a 29-year drought ended by victories over Forest and Ipswich.[conversation context] Such runs evoke the club’s giant-killing past, now amplified by global attention from Reynolds and McElhenney.

How Does This Fit Wrexham’s Broader Rise?

From National League mid-table to FA Cup last-16 contenders, Wrexham’s trajectory is astonishing.[conversation context] Parkinson’s management, combined with ownership investment, has created a “greedy” mindset for more trophies and levels. The week encapsulated this: anniversary celebrations, dual cup wins, and unyielding ambition.

Ipswich’s exit, despite rotation, leaves them focused on Championship survival/promotion, with McKenna’s faith in his squad intact.[conversation context] For Wrexham, the “incredible journey” continues, with eyes on the draw and beyond.