Wrexham Eyes Historic FA Cup Glory to Shatter 26-Year Championship Drought Against Ipswich Town
Should Wrexham triumph over Ipswich Town this Friday night, the Red Dragons would advance beyond the FA Cup's fourth round for the first time since the 1996–97 campaign.
Phil Parkinson's squad maintained their FA Cup aspirations following a thrilling victory against Premier League side Nottingham Forest in January. Wrexham established a commanding 3–1 advantage before allowing two late strikes that pushed the match into extra time. Eventually, a 4–3 penalty shootout triumph sent the Championship club through to the fourth round.
Wales' oldest football club was handed a favorable draw, steering clear of powerhouses like Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City. Instead, Wrexham will encounter familiar adversary Ipswich Town in an evening fixture at the STōK Cae Ras.
Success on Friday would guarantee Wrexham's progression to the competition's fifth round, representing a significant achievement for the club in modern times.
Wrexham's Best FA Cup Finishes of All Time
Wrexham's Best FA Cup Finishes of All Time
Wrexham's most recent progression beyond the fourth round occurred 26 years ago. During the 1996–97 season, the Welsh side reached the quarter-finals, where their journey ended with a 1–0 loss to surprise contenders Chesterfield.
Nevertheless, reaching that stage equaled the Red Dragons' finest-ever showing in the tournament. The club had previously reached the final eight in 1973–74, before succumbing 1–0 to Burnley. Wrexham again achieved the quarter-finals in 1977–78, but couldn't overcome Arsenal.
These three quarter-final runs represent Wales' oldest club's deepest FA Cup ventures. Beyond these, the team has only reached the fifth round twice more: in 1979–80 and 1980–81. Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers ended their campaigns on those respective occasions.
Beyond that, the club has never reached an FA Cup semi-final or final, much less claimed the trophy.
Year | Wrexham's FA Cup Finish |
|---|---|
1996–97 | Quarter-finals |
1977–78 | Quarter-finals |
1973–74 | Quarter-finals |
1979–80 | Fifth Round |
1980–81 | Fifth Round |
Wrexham Under Pressure to Break Unwanted Trend
Wrexham Under Pressure to Break Unwanted Trend
Wrexham have reached the FA Cup's fourth round on 17 occasions, including this current season, yet have only progressed further in five of those attempts. The club has consistently fallen short when fifth round qualification is within reach, as recently demonstrated in 2023–24.
Parkinson guided his team to the fourth round two seasons ago, but witnessed a comprehensive 4–1 loss to Blackburn Rovers. The Red Dragons also reached this stage the previous campaign, only to be knocked out by Sheffield United.
The positive aspect for Wrexham is having home advantage for this crucial fourth round encounter. Additionally, the Welsh side has already met opponents Ipswich Town this season in Championship action.
That November encounter concluded scoreless. Ipswich controlled proceedings significantly; the Tractor Boys registered 19 attempts versus Wrexham's mere two, while dominating ball possession.
However, Parkinson's team defended resolutely and will aim to maintain another clean sheet in this fixture. Wrexham's offensive unit must produce an improved display, though, if they wish to reach the last 16 for the first time in 26 years.