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Josh Windass proved to be the decisive player as Wrexham claimed a hard-fought 1-0 win against Oxford United to climb into the EFL Championship playoff spots. The Red Dragons' victory, combined with Hull City's draw, allowed them to overtake the Tigers with only two matches remaining in the regular season.
Phil Parkinson made a single change from the weekend victory against Stoke City, bringing Ryan Longman back into the side in place of Man City loanee Issa Kabore.
Oxford came out aggressively in their desperate battle against the drop, delivering several threatening balls into the Wrexham penalty area. However, it was the Red Dragons who created the best opportunity in the early stages, with Sam Smith firing wide from a superb George Thomason cross.
Windass, who had netted both goals in Saturday's 2-0 triumph, nearly added another when he cut inside and shot wide after a brilliant solo run. That effort served as a useful rehearsal, and just before the break, he put Wrexham ahead by finishing from the edge of the area following a fine assist from Smith.
FT | Oxford United 0-1 Wrexham.
Massive win. Josh Windass with the magic, Dom Hyam the leader at the back with an incredible defensive display 👏 #WxmAFC pic.twitter.com/xMcgpZtZRZ
Wrexham came out strongly after the interval and nearly extended their advantage when Smith latched onto a brilliant through ball from Callum Doyle but was unable to get past Jamie Cumming. Parkinson's men also went close through captain Dom Hyam, whose header was kept out by the Oxford stopper.
Oxford, knowing a win was essential to avoid the drop, posed plenty of threats from aerial deliveries, while substitute Mark Harris came close to a stunning leveler from outside the box.
The hosts threw everything at Wrexham in the closing stages with a relentless aerial assault, but Parkinson's team stood firm thanks to the outstanding defensive work of Scarr and Hyam to claim a vital three points.
Wrexham's Winners and Losers
Winner
"Josh Windass again ole, ole," rang out from the Wrexham supporters on a chilly evening in Oxford. The 32-year-old conjured yet another moment of brilliance to lift his teammates, having also bagged a brace over the weekend. Windass has built a compelling case for the club's Player of the Season award and has cemented his status as the attacking heartbeat of a team that has sorely lacked one throughout the campaign.
Loser
Ryan Longman was handed an infrequent opportunity to stake his claim in the Wrexham starting eleven but was unable to make the most of it. He put in the effort but contributed little in either attack or defense. Longman was hauled off early in the second half, having already picked up a booking for a clumsy challenge.
Wrexham Report Card vs. Oxford United (3-4-2-1)
GK: Danny Ward—C+: Another dependable showing between the sticks with no real scares. Ward brought composure and authority to his performance, setting a positive example for those in front of him. A rare lapse when he fumbled a late corner.
CB: Dom Hyam—B+: He made significant contributions at both ends of the pitch and headed wide from a first-half set piece. Hyam nearly grabbed a goal when his second-half attempt was parried by Jamie Cumming. He gave his all as Wrexham weathered Oxford's late pressure.
CB: Dan Scarr—B-: Bailed out his defense with some timely blocks and interceptions. Another outing in which he executed the fundamentals with real efficiency.
CB: Callum Doyle—B+: A vital creative outlet from his defensive berth, best illustrated by his pass in the build-up to the opener. He combined well down the left side and also fulfilled his responsibilities as a centre-back.
RWB: Ryan Longman—D: He put in the hard yards but struggled to leave a positive mark on the right flank. He was cautioned in the first half for a clumsy challenge and made a few poor choices in possession.
CM: Matty James—C+: A quiet but effective display as he helped Wrexham win the midfield battle without drawing attention to himself.
CM: George Dobson—C+: He covered plenty of ground and won back possession with some key interceptions. Dobson disrupted Oxford's flow and enabled Wrexham to control large portions of the game.
LWB: George Thomason—B: His pinpoint cross nearly teed up Smith for the game's first goal. He was a consistent threat from set pieces and corners and made a crucial block to stop Stan Mills.
CAM: Ollie Rathbone—B-: A busy and energetic showing in the advanced midfield role. He helped drive play forward and pressed the opposition backline with great determination.
CAM: Josh Windass—A: Constantly sought to create something whenever he received possession. Windass tested the goalkeeper with a speculative strike before going one better by drilling home the match-winning goal.
ST: Sam Smith—B+: Another unselfish display in which he did plenty of the unglamorous work for his teammates. He provided a superb assist to set Windass up for the decisive goal.
SUB: Issa Kabore (56' for Longman)—C: He injected more attacking intent down the right side and won a yellow card for Aidomo Emakhu. He was soon cautioned himself for a reckless challenge.
SUB: Lewis O'Brien (70' for Rathbone)—C: He put in a tireless shift defensively after coming on, but squandered a golden chance to put the game to bed when he underhit a cross to Moore.
SUB: Kieffer Moore (70' for Smith)—B-: Came close to sealing the win for Wrexham when he burst through on goal, only for his shot to be deflected over.
SUB: Max Cleworth (90+3' for Windass)—C: He entered the fray in the dying moments as Wrexham held on to claim all three points.
What's Next For Wrexham?
Wrexham hit the road again when they travel to take on league leaders Coventry City on Sunday. Frank Lampard's outfit have already confirmed their promotion to the Premier League and will be aiming to wrap up the league title with a win against the Red Dragons.
With just two EFL Championship fixtures remaining, Wrexham know they cannot afford to slip up if they are to squeeze into the playoff places. They enter the weekend level on points with Hull City and four points clear of Derby County in the battle for sixth spot.