Wrexham into FA Cup last 16 for first time in 29 years

Wrexham booked a place in the FA Cup last 16 on Friday night (ET), beating Championship rivals Ipswich Town 1-0 at the Racecourse Ground to reach the competition's fifth round for the first time since 1997. Josh Windass's 34th-minute strike settled a tight tie and extended the Red Dragons' impressive cup form this season.

Windass strike seals another memorable night

Wrexham's winner arrived in the 34th minute. Ryan Longman recovered an overhit cross and fed Josh Windass, who turned the ball into the net. The goal followed an early scare when Ipswich goalkeeper Alex Palmer failed to clear cleanly, allowing Wrexham early opportunities that ultimately set the tone for the home side.

Manager savours history but keeps focus

Manager Phil Parkinson framed the result as a chance seized. "We spoke before the game about our chance to create a bit of history. We've done it, and I'm so pleased because it was always going to be a tough game against a very good side, " he said, underlining the significance of reaching the fifth round. Parkinson also noted the timing of the achievement, acknowledging the club's fifth anniversary under its current ownership and saying the milestone was one to savour before attention returns to league matters.

Squad rotation and Ipswich priorities

Ipswich made 10 changes for this fixture, a clear signal that their immediate priority is the Championship campaign. The lineup unfamiliarity played into Wrexham's hands, allowing the hosts to impose themselves at crucial moments. Ipswich sit seven points above Wrexham in the table and are chasing an immediate return to the top flight, but the make-up of their side on Friday showed where the manager's focus currently lies.

Part of a bigger rise

The victory continues a startling run of progress for the club that has risen rapidly since the ownership change five years ago. Wrexham's cup run this season has already included a win over top-flight opposition, and the side now sits well placed in the Championship as it targets promotion. "I think it's great for our owners, to get them into the fifth round, " Parkinson added, reflecting on the club-wide importance of the result.

Looking ahead: draw and league focus

Wrexham will be part of Monday night's (ET) fifth-round draw, an event the squad will enjoy before turning their attention back to the Championship grind. Parkinson insisted the FA Cup remains a prized competition but emphasised the league will take precedence once celebrations conclude. For a club chasing top-flight football for the first time in its 158-year history, balancing cup glory with promotion ambitions will remain the manager's task in the weeks ahead.

What this means for Ipswich

For Ipswich, the defeat represents a minor setback in an otherwise strong league campaign. With promotion the primary objective, the decision to rotate the squad was a calculated risk that ultimately did not pay off. The Tractor Boys will now regroup and prepare for a league rematch with Wrexham on Feb. 21 (ET), where both sides will have plenty at stake.

Wrexham's progress to the fifth round marks another milestone in a season that has become increasingly historic. Whether they can translate cup momentum into a sustained promotion push will be the defining storyline as both competitions intensify in the coming weeks.