Josh Windass’ ninth goal of the season in the 34th minute was enough to seal victory over fellow-Championship outfit Ipswich and put the Reds in the last 16 of the competition.
Here’s five talking points from the game.
1. The magic of the FA Cup.
Trying to secure a play-off spot in the Championship would be a remarkable achievement on the back of three successive promotions.
But Wrexham have a proud tradition in the FA Cup with some big scalps over the years and although beating Ipswich doesn’t fall into that bracket, it was still a big win which keeps the run going in the famous competition.
The league is the priority but the cup is special, especially at Wrexham, and you’d much rather be in it and in with a chance of facing a top Premier League club in the fifth round.
2. Josh Windass has scored some vital goals.
Windass bagged his ninth goal of the season when he converted Ryan Longman’s cross in the first-half, with his strike turning out to be the winner against Ipswich.
The attacking midfielder has had to be patient like a lot of his team-mates with Phil Parkinson changing the side by the game, especially in the front three.
But he has scored some vital goals this term for Wrexham and he is always liable to produce the goods, so he remains a key player despite new signings and competition for places.
3. A cup run and play-off push can go hand in hand.
Wrexham are into the fifth round for the first time under Parkinson but cup runs are nothing new under the Reds’ boss.
Coming in much earlier in the competition, Wrexham reached round four on two previous occasions since Parkinson took charge at The Racecourse in July 2021.
The cup adventure ended there but the Reds maintained the promotion challenge and ended the season by going upon both occasions, proof that the run in the competition didn’t hinder the league campaign which is most important.
4. Good to get back to winning ways at The Racecourse.
Since beating Nottingham Forest at home in the third round, Wrexham failed to win any of their next three league games at home, taking one point from a possible nine.
The excellent away form – the Reds have won their last four games on the road – has kept Parkinson’s side in and around the play-off places but it was vital to get back to winning ways on their own patch against Ipswich.
Wrexham have made the Racecourse a fortress over the last few seasons and while they cannot afford to take the foot off the gas on their travels, the Reds know winning more league games at home will be crucial in pursuit of a top-six finish.
5. Back in league action at Bristol City on Tuesday night.
Regardless of who Wrexham draw in tonight’s FA Cup fifth round draw, it is back to the bread and butter of the league until that last 16 tie.
There are four Championship games before the next round of the cup and with the competition fierce for a play-off spot, Wrexham cannot afford to lose focus.
The Reds have 15 league matches remaining with a lot of points to play for but Parkinson’s won’t be looking any further than tomorrow’s trip to play-off rivals Bristol City when he will be looking to continue the excellent away form.