Wrexham secured a crucial victory in Friday’s fourth-round clash of the 2025-26 FA Cup, winning 1-0 in Wales thanks to a first-half goal from Josh Windass. The win against Ipswich Town allowed the Red Dragons to end a nearly 30-year wait for success in the competition.
For both clubs, Friday’s match came at a time when most of their focus is on the Championship, where they are pushing to climb the table and move closer to promotion to the Premier League. In that context, each coach took a different approach: Phil Parkinson fielded most of Wrexham’s key stars, while Ipswich Town coach Kieran McKenna rested several of his top players.
That decision proved decisive in the first half, as Wrexham capitalized on their advantage. Josh Windass latched onto a shot from Longman and calmly finished inside the box to put the hosts ahead.
After the break, the visitors made substitutions to bring on some of their best players, hoping to turn the match around. However, Wrexham defended resolutely and held on for a historic victory, reaching the fourth round of the FA Cup for the first time in 29 years. The last time they advanced this far was in the 1996-97 season, when they went on to the quarterfinals.
Thanks for joining us!
That wraps up our live blog of the Wrexham vs. Ipswich Town fourth-round FA Cup match. We’ll be back soon with more coverage!
Full time!
Wrexham defeat Ipswich Town 1-0 and advance to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
91’ – Tension in the final minutes! (1-0)
Goalkeeper Palmer has gone up into the attacking box in a last-ditch attempt to score the equalizer.
84’ – Another substitution for the visitors (1-0)
Kasey McAteer comes off for Ivan Azon.
83’ – First booking of the match (1-0)
Sindre Walle Egeli has been shown a yellow card.
78’ – Sheaf goes close! (1-0)
The newly introduced midfielder nearly scored with a header, but the goalkeeper managed to save it.
75’ – Changes for Wrexham (1-0)
Issa Kabore and Kieffer Moore come on for Ryan Longman and Sam Smith.
72’ – More changes for Ipswich Town (1-0)
Jack Taylor replaces Daniel Neil, Jack Clarke comes on for Elkan Baggott, and Anis Mehmeti replaces Chuba Akpom.
67’ – First substitution for Wrexham (1-0)
Ben Sheaf comes on for Ollie Rathbone.
64’ – Rathbone remains the biggest threat (1-0)
The left winger delivered a cross from the left side, but a defender managed to clear it.
59’ – Wrexham nearly double their lead! (1-0)
Rathbone fired a left-footed shot, but goalkeeper Palmer made the save to keep Ipswich in the game.
55’ – The visitors come close again! (1-0)
After a cross from the right, McAteer fired just wide of the target.
49’ – Wrexham survive a scare! (1-0)
Ipswich Town had a clear chance inside the box, with several rebounds following a throw-in, but no attacker could capitalize on the opportunity.
46’ – First substitution of the match (1-0)
Dara O’Shea has replaced Cedric Kipre for Ipswich Town.
Second half underway!
Wrexham 1-0 Ipswich Town
Halftime
Wrexham lead Ipswich Town 1-0.
40’ – Wrexham close to a second goal! (1-0)
Rathbone took a shot from outside the box, and the goalkeeper was forced to make the save.
Josh Windass’ goal gives Wrexham the lead
With this delicate finish from Windass, Wrexham take a 1-0 lead over Ipswich Town.
31’ – GOOOOOOAAAAAL FOR WREXHAM!! (1-0)
Windass pounced on the ball inside the box after Longman’s shot and buried the opener.
31’ – Fans bring the energy on a chilly night (0-0)
The match has settled into a lull, but despite the cold weather, the fans continue to rally behind Wrexham.
26’ – The hosts settling into the match (0-0)
The game is now evenly balanced, with Wrexham looking more composed and battling Ipswich Town for possession.
20’ – Wrexham go close! (0-0)
Windass fired a shot from outside the box, and goalkeeper Palmer tipped it for a corner.
17’ – First chance for Ipswich Town (0-0)
Akpom met a throw-in from the left with a header, but his effort went wide of the target.
16’ – Wrexham struggling to find their rhythm (0-0)
Ipswich Town have dictated the tempo early on, preventing the hosts from getting near the opposing goal.
11’ – Trouble for Ipswich Town (0-0)
Chuba Akpom had to leave the field to receive medical attention.
7’ – Ipswich Town now controlling the game (0-0)
After Wrexham’s early chance, the visitors have taken control of possession and are dictating play in the attacking half.
1’ – Incredible chance for Wrexham! (0-0)
In the opening minute, Windass and Smith had a clear scoring opportunity, but goalkeeper Palmer came up with the save.
Kickoff!
Wrexham AFC and Ipswich Town are tied 0-0 in the FA Cup.
Other notable FA Cup third-round matchups
At the same time as the Wrexham vs. Ipswich Town clash, Chelsea will take on Hull City. The fourth round of the FA Cup will feature other intriguing matches on Saturday, including Manchester City vs. Salford City, Aston Villa vs. Newcastle, and Liverpool vs. Brighton.
The stadium for Friday’s clash
Wrexham AFC will take on Ipswich Town in the FA Cup fourth round at the Racecourse Ground in Wrexham, Wales. Originally opened in 1864, the stadium has seen multiple renovations over the years and now holds 12,600 fans.
Ipswich Town confirmed lineup
Coach Kieran McKenna has chosen these starters to face Wrexham in the FA Cup: Alex Palmer; Ben Johnson, Cedric Kipre, Jacob Graves, Elkan Baggot; Dan Neil, Jens Cajuste, Kasey McAteer, Sindre Walle Egeli, Chuba Akpom, George Hirst.
Wrexham confirmed lineup
For Friday’s clash against Ipswich Town, coach Phil Parkinson has named the following XI: Arthur Okonkwo; Callum Doyle, Dominic Hyam, Max Cleworth; Ryan Longman, George Dobson, Oliver Rathbone, George Thomason, Josh Windass, Lewis O’Brien, Sam Smith.
Kickoff time and how to watch
Wrexham and Ipswich Town’s game will begin at 2:45 PM (ET).
You can watch the FA Cup match live on ESPN+.
Wrexham and Ipswich Town clash in the FA Cup
Welcome to our live blog of the match between Wrexham and Ipswich Town in the fourth round of the 2025-26 FA Cup. Stay with us for all the latest updates and minute-by-minute coverage of the action!
200+ Channels With Sports & News
- Starting price: $33/mo. for fubo Latino Package
- Watch Premier League, Liga MX & Copa Libertadores
The New Home of MLS
- Price: $14.99/mo. for MLS Season Pass
- Watch every MLS game including playoffs & Leagues Cup
Many Sports & ESPN Originals
- Price: $10.99/mo. (or get ESPN+, Hulu & Disney+ for $14.99/mo.)
- Features Bundesliga, LaLiga, NWSL, & USL
2,000+ soccer games per year
- Price: $7.99/mo
- Features Champions League, Serie A, Europa League & EFL
175 Premier League Games & PL TV
- Starting price: $7.99/mo. for Peacock Premium
- Watch 175 exclusive EPL games per season