Wrexham into FA Cup fifth round after Ipswich defeat, eyeing big draw on Monday night (ET)

Wrexham booked a place in the FA Cup fifth round for the first time in 29 years with a disciplined 1-0 win over Ipswich Town, a result that extends the Welsh club’s remarkable recent form and leaves supporters dreaming of a glamour tie when the draw is made on Monday night (ET).

Windass the difference as Wrexham savour a landmark night

Josh Windass supplied the decisive goal as Wrexham backed up a memorable triumph over a higher-tier opponent in the previous round. The strike not only sealed a clean-sheet victory but also delivered a milestone moment for a club whose progress has drawn sustained attention in recent seasons.

Manager Phil Parkinson urged measured celebration after the match, noting the importance of enjoying rare cup nights while quickly switching focus back to league duties. "Every season in football is special and you've got to savour it, " he said, adding that it was important to follow up the Nottingham Forest win with another result. He also highlighted what the run means for the club’s owners, celebrating their fifth anniversary of stewardship this week: it was, Parkinson said, "great for our owners, Rob and Ryan. "

Midfielder Ollie Rathbone reflected the dressing-room mood, describing the club’s trajectory as "an incredible journey" and stressing the squad's appetite to keep adding achievements to that story. For supporters at Stok Cae Ras, the victory felt like another chapter in a renaissance that has lifted expectations and belief around the team.

Draw dynamics and the appeal of a big home tie

With the fifth-round draw scheduled for Monday night (ET), speculation is already rife over the kind of opponent Wrexham could face. Parkinson made clear his hopes: while recognising the draw’s randomness, he admitted he'd love another home tie and said the "percentages are in our favour to draw a Premier League team. "

The magic of the competition means a top-flight club could be next, and that prospect has practical and emotional appeal. A home tie against a Premier League side would deliver a lucrative and high-profile fixture for the club and its fans; an away draw against elite opposition would present a stern on-field test but less control over the occasion.

Only one of the established top-flight teams has already exited this season’s competition, leaving plenty of potential marquee matchups. For Wrexham, the immediate priority remains to relish the moment while preparing for the realities of a packed schedule.

Quick turnaround: league rematch with Ipswich looms

The calendar offers little time for reflection. Wrexham will travel preparations and planning with one eye on a Championship return fixture: Ipswich are scheduled to make the same long trip back for a league clash on Saturday, February 21 (ET). That means both clubs will face each other twice in quick succession, a pattern that is uncommon at the higher levels of English football and adds an extra tactical layer to the coming week.

Ipswich made substantial changes to their line-up for the cup tie, but Wrexham’s organised display left the visitors unable to muster a shot on target. Parkinson acknowledged the need to keep focus on the league after the cup celebrations, saying the FA Cup will be on the "back burner now" as preparations continue for the weekend.

For Wrexham’s supporters, though, the build-up to Monday night’s draw will be a welcome chance to dream. Whether the club draws a Premier League giant or a different fifth-round opponent, this run represents another landmark in a campaign that has already offered a string of unforgettable nights.