Wrexham Football Club has recently gained attention due to its new owners, Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. However, the club’s history in the FA Cup is just as fascinating as its future. From memorable upsets to remarkable runs, Wrexham has left its mark on the prestigious tournament.
One of Wrexham’s most iconic moments came in 1992 when they faced Arsenal in the third round. At the time, Wrexham was a Fourth Division club, while Arsenal were reigning First Division champions. Despite being the underdogs, Wrexham put on a stunning performance. After going behind in the first half, they equalized with a glorious free-kick from Mickey Thomas and then snatched victory through Steve Watkin. This victory is still considered one of the biggest shocks in FA Cup history.
Wrexham’s cup success didn’t end there. In 1974, under the guidance of manager John Neal, Wrexham made their way to the quarter-finals for the first time in their history. They defeated the likes of Crystal Palace, Middlesbrough, and Southampton along the way. Although their run was halted by Burnley in the last eight, it was a remarkable achievement for a Third Division side.
Four years later, Wrexham once again reached the quarter-finals. Led by iconic striker Dixie McNeil, they overcame Bristol City and Newcastle in impressive fashion. However, their dreams of reaching the semi-finals were crushed by Arsenal in a closely contested match.
In 1981, Wrexham faced West Ham United, who had won the cup just eight months earlier. After two goalless draws, a third match was played. Wrexham emerged victorious with an extra-time winner from McNeil, ending West Ham’s grip on the cup.
Wrexham continued to make their mark in the FA Cup in the late 1990s. In the 1996-97 season, they defeated Premier League side West Ham in a replay and went on to defeat Birmingham City in the fifth round. However, their journey came to an end in the quarter-finals against Chesterfield.
In recent years, Wrexham’s cup runs have been limited due to their relegation to the National League. However, they still managed to impress with a draw against Championship team Brighton in 2012. Last season, as a non-league side, they faced Championship side Coventry City in an exhilarating match. Although Wrexham took a commanding lead, Coventry made a comeback, making for a nervous finish. Wrexham’s fairytale run ended in the fourth round against Sheffield United, who would later be promoted to the Premier League.
As Wrexham prepares to face Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round of the FA Cup, they hope to add another chapter to their cup history. With Hollywood owners backing them and a rich tradition of upsets and memorable moments, Wrexham has proven time and again that they are a force to be reckoned with in the tournament.