Wrexham AFC secured a commanding 3-0 victory against Charlton Athletic on April 26, 2025, at the Racecourse Ground, clinching promotion to the EFL Championship. This remarkable win not only showcased Wrexham’s dominance on the pitch but also marked their third consecutive promotion, an unprecedented achievement in the top five tiers of English football. The victory cemented Wrexham’s second-place finish in League One with 89 points, behind only Birmingham City..
Match details and scoreline
The highly anticipated match kicked off at 17:30 at Wrexham’s historic Racecourse Ground. The home side wasted little time asserting their dominance, with Oliver Rathbone breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute with a well-taken goal that sent the packed stadium into raptures.
The Red Dragons doubled their advantage just three minutes later when Sam Smith found the back of the net in the 18th minute. Smith wasn’t finished there, as he completed his brace in the 81st minute to seal the comprehensive 3-0 victory. This performance followed Wrexham’s impressive 5-1 win against Blackpool the previous week, demonstrating their exceptional form at the season’s climax.
Historical significance of the promotion
The victory against Charlton Athletic carries immense historical significance for Wrexham. The club will now return to the second tier of English football for the first time since 1982, ending a 43-year absence from the Championship.
Under the guidance of manager Phil Parkinson, Wrexham has achieved so mething truly remarkable – three consecutive promotions through the English football pyramid. Starting from the National League, they’ve climbed through League Two and now League One in successive seasons, a feat never before accomplished in the top five tiers of English football.
Hollywood ownership celebrates milestone
Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who purchased the club in 2021, were present at the Racecourse Ground to witness this historic achievement. Their investment and passion for the club have been instrumental in Wrexham’s remarkable rise through the divisions.
The celebrity owners were visibly emotional as the final whistle confirmed Wrexham’s promotion. Their vision of taking Wrexham to the Championship has been realized in just four seasons, far exceeding even the most optimistic expectations when they first took over the Welsh club.
Season performance comparison
Wrexham’s promotion was built on a consistent and impressive campaign throughout the 2024-25 season. They finished with a record of 26 wins, 11 draws, and just 8 losses, accumulating 89 points to secure second place behind champions Birmingham City, who amassed 102 points.
Charlton Athletic, despite having a solid season themselves with 24 wins, 10 draws, and 11 losses, couldn’t match Wrexham’s consistency when it mattered most. The 3-0 scoreline in this crucial match highlighted the gap between the two sides on the day, with Wrexham demonstrating the quality that has earned them their place in next season’s Championship.