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Nathan Broadhead Backs Wrexham to Surge Into Top Six

Wrexham's Nathan Broadhead (centre). Pic. Alamy

Wrexham's Nathan Broadhead (centre). Pic. Alamy

Nathan Broadhead believes Wrexham can continue to climb the Championship table and push themselves into play-off contention.

The Wales striker delivered his rallying cry  after his latest goal helped secure a hard-earned 2-1 home victory over Preston North End.

The club’s record signing once again made the difference at the Racecourse Ground, heading Wrexham into the lead in the 28th minute to set the platform for back-to-back league wins for the first time this season. 

Substitute Ollie Rathbone later added a second, which proved decisive despite a late response from Alfie Devine for the visitors.

Fresh from their thrilling 5-3 Boxing Day triumph over Sheffield United, Phil Parkinson’s side followed it up in composed fashion to move within four points of the top six and extend their unbeaten home run in the Championship to 10 matches. 

READ MORE: Kieffer Moore Enjoys Slicing Blades to Pieces as Wrexham Striker Stuns Abusers

Broadhead, now with five goals in all competitions, insists the belief within the squad is growing.

“All we can do is look up,” Broadhead said. “Getting the three points is the main thing.

“Obviously the play-offs would be amazing but there’s a long way to go. I think we just need that belief in and around the place, for everyone to believe we can do it.”

Broadhead’s opener capped another influential display from the 27-year-old, who had also caught the eye against Sheffield United. 

Rising highest to meet Kieffer Moore’s delivery, he demonstrated the aerial threat that persuaded Parkinson to move for him from Ipswich.

“I was delighted with his performance,” said the Wrexham boss. 

READ MORE: Wrexham - the Year in Review and Hopes for 2026

“He was outstanding, and the goal he scored, it was a brilliant cross from Kieffer (Moore) and a nice header from Nathan. He’s good in the air, he shows that all the time in training.”

Wrexham looked the sharper side throughout, creating the clearer chances and carrying greater attacking menace. 

Broadhead went close before breaking the deadlock, while Sam Smith struck the post in the second half as the hosts pressed for breathing space.

Parkinson was pleased not only with the result but with the mentality shown by his players after an emotional festive period.

“I’m very pleased,” he said. “It was important we backed up the Boxing Day win and performance.

“We spoke to the lads about that mentality to respond to the defeat at Swansea (on December 19) and tonight, it was can we respond to a really good performance where we got a lot of praise against Sheffield United and have that accountability both individually and collectively?

“I felt we did that against a good side who are up there for a reason. But over the 90 minutes, we deserved the win.”

READ MORE: Wrexham Braced for Bad News on Lewis O’Brien

Rathbone, making just his fourth league appearance since returning from injury, made an immediate impact from the bench by doubling Wrexham’s advantage. 

Preston threatened a late twist when Devine struck his fourth goal of the campaign, but the hosts showed composure to see the game out.

The victory lifted Wrexham to 11th in the table and pushed Preston out of the top six, ending the visitors’ seven-match unbeaten league run. 

North End started the second half brightly and created openings for Thierry Small and Devine before Rathbone’s goal swung the momentum back in Wrexham’s favour.

Preston manager Paul Heckingbottom was frank in his assessment of his side’s display.

“We weren’t at our best,” he said. “We had good moments where we played really well, passed it really well and cut them open and looked a good side.

“But also the performance was littered with mistakes and errors and Wrexham capitalised on those.

“I said to our players, ‘when we are at our best we are more than a match for anyone’ and I feel like it’s going to take a really good side to beat us, but today we weren’t at our best.”

There was a moment of concern for Wrexham when Moore, who supplied the assist for Broadhead’s goal, was forced off just before half-time. 

Parkinson, however, played down fears over his leading scorer.

"It doesn't look too serious," he said.

"The big man got a whack against Sheffield United and hopefully it's not too serious.

"I've got to give special mention to Sam Smith as well because I've given him 10 minutes here and 15 minutes there.

"It's hard when you come on for short periods of time because you can't get into your rhythm but he showed what he is all about tonight.

"He ran the channels, he held the ball up, had two great chances to score, the goalkeeper's made a good save to the right and then he's hit the post but I'm pleased for Sam tonight."

 

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