Wrexham seal place in the Championship after a trio of promotions
Actors and Wrexham owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds celebrate after Wrexham’s Sam Smith scores their third goal Action Images via Reuters/Craig Brough
Wrexham captain James McClean could not hide his joy as the Welsh club created English football history by securing a third successive promotion.
On a memorable day at the Racecourse Ground, Wrexham completed their remarkable rise to the second tier of English football, in what was another thrilling episode of this club’s dramatic rise and now they will have a chance to complete this story and challenge for a place in the Premier League.
Sam Smith inspired Wrexham to a 3-0 win over Charlton as they confirmed their third promotion in a row, sealing a place in the Championship in front of Hollywood owners Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
The hosts took an early lead through Ollie Rathbone, who struck first time from the edge of the box in the 16th minute and found the bottom corner.
The Welsh side doubled their advantage two minutes later when Matty James set up Smith smartly in the box and the forward volleyed in from close range.
Tennai Watson got in behind the Wrexham backline just past the half-hour mark and got a shot away but his chance was saved by goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.
Early in the second half, Watson drove down the wing and delivered a brilliant low cross into the box, which was intended for substitute Micah Mbick, but Max Cleworth managed to clear.
Wrexham’s Dan Scarr celebrates with the fans on the pitch. PA Photo.
Wrexham got a third with just under 10 minutes remaining when Cleworth delivered a delightful cross into Smith, who guided it into the back of the net.
“It’s amazing,” said former Ireland winger McClean. “How do you put this into words? Back-to-back-to-back [promotions] has never been done before, so we go into the history books. To be the captain and the man to be given the honours of leading that is absolutely incredible.
“You don’t get success without a strong dressing room. That isn’t just that players. It comes from strong management, the owners, our family, the staff behind the scenes… everybody.
“You see how tight we are together. We are a well oiled machine and a successful well oiled machine.
“There were dark, dark times at this club and now they get to enjoy every single minute of this. We will be right there beside them enjoying it.”
#put #words #Captain #James #McClean #leads #celebrations #promoted #Wrexham #history
