bristol city vs wrexham: Max Bird's late stunner rescues 2-2 draw at Ashton Gate
On Tuesday night, Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), Ashton Gate served up late drama as Bristol City came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Wrexham. The visitors had looked on course for a fifth successive Championship away win, only for Max Bird to smash home a spectacular volley two minutes from time and deny them the victory that would have boosted their play-off ambitions.
How the game unfolded: two leads, two comebacks
Wrexham struck first midway through the opening half when Ollie Rathbone pounced on a ricochet from a Callum Doyle cross to fire a powerful left-foot finish past Radek Vitek. The goal left City trailing into the break amid boos from home supporters, who had seen little threat in attack and no efforts on target during the first 45 minutes.
Gerhard Struber reacted decisively at half-time, introducing Sinclair Armstrong, Delano Burgzorg and Jason Knight. The switch changed the dynamic immediately. Armstrong, on his first touch after the restart, slotted home across goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to level the match and ignite Ashton Gate.
The contest remained frantic and end-to-end. Wrexham regained the lead through a cruel twist, with Joe Williams turning the ball into his own net under pressure, giving the visitors a slender advantage once more. City continued to press, and their persistence paid off late when substitute Max Bird unleashed a thunderous volley from around 20 yards that cannoned in off the underside of the crossbar, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance and sparking wild celebrations from the home crowd.
Manager reaction and key moments
City's manager was frank about his side's uneven display, admitting the first half fell short of the team's usual standards while praising the impact of his substitutions. He singled out the collective reaction after the break as decisive, describing the second-half performance as braver and more forward-thinking.
There was also frustration expressed about officiating after the final whistle. The manager believed several decisions, particularly late in the match, went against his side and felt the officials missed opportunities to assist in crucial moments. He called for a higher standard from match officials in tight fixtures where every call can be decisive.
From a player perspective, Armstrong's sharpness off the bench and Bird's match-defining strike were the big positives for the hosts. For Wrexham, Rathbone's opener and the resilience shown to twice take the lead underline why they have been such a dangerous outfit on the road this season.
What the draw means moving forward
The point keeps both teams in the mix for the top-six chase but does little to separate them. Wrexham were denied what would have been a significant away victory and a boost to their promotion hopes, while City will take heart from their ability to respond under pressure but will be mindful of the need for a more consistent 90-minute level if they are to sustain a push up the table.
With the run-in entering a decisive phase, fine margins will determine the fate of teams around the play-off positions. Bristol City's recovery at Ashton Gate showcased the squad's depth and battling spirit, but also exposed vulnerabilities that must be addressed. Wrexham leave with a point earned through resilience and a reminder that their away form remains a genuine threat to any opponent.
As both sides regroup, fans will hope the dramatic encounter on Feb. 17 (ET) marks a turning point—one that either boosts a late push for the play-offs or exposes the work still required to get there.
