Wrexham Defeats Mansfield, Contends for EFL League One Promotion

MANSFIELD, England — Wrexham AFC climbed three points closer to the EFL League One summit after a thrilling 2-1 victory over Mansfield Town on February 23, 2025. The win marks a critical point in their quest for a third consecutive promotion, as they now have fewer than 15 matches left in the season to secure a top-two finish.

Wrexham, owned by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, showcased resilience in their latest match after recovering from a disappointing loss to Leyton Orient earlier this month. ‘This is a pivotal win for us,’ said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson. ‘We need to carry this momentum into our upcoming fixtures.’

The match at One Call Stadium started dramatically, with Wrexham taking an early lead in the second minute following an own goal by Mansfield’s Calum Macdonald off an Ollie Rathbone cross. Just 13 minutes later, Macdonald made amends by scoring for Mansfield, leveling the match at 1-1.

However, Wrexham restored their lead in the second half when Max Cleworth fired a low shot from outside the box in the 58th minute. This marked Cleworth’s eighth goal of the season and proved decisive, as Wrexham capitalized on dropped points by league leaders Birmingham City and second-place Wycombe Wanderers.

In the wake of the victory, Wrexham now sits third in League One with 61 points, trailing Wycombe by only three points. The two teams are set to face off on March 15 in what could be a defining match for Wrexham’s promotion hopes.

The current standings reflect the competitive nature of the league. Birmingham City leads with 70 points, while Wycombe follows at 64 points. Wrexham’s resurgence in February, winning five out of their six games, puts them in a strong position as they push for promotion.

‘We know we have a tough road ahead, but our team is hungry for success,’ said Wrexham captain Luke Young. ‘We are focused on every match and aiming for that promotion spot.’

Despite the win, concerns linger within the camp regarding injuries, as midfielder Andy Cannon had to be stretchered off after an early challenge. Parkinson said, ‘We’ll assess Andy’s situation; injuries at this stage are always tough.’

As they gear up for their next fixtures, Wrexham’s aim remains clear: to clinch automatic promotion and return to the Championship, where they haven’t played since 2008. The atmosphere at the Racecourse Ground remains electric, with fans rallying behind the team as they embark on their promotion journey.