Nathan Broadhead scored twice to send Wrexham past Reading and into the Carabao Cup fourth round for the first time in 48 years, with a potential Premier League opponent awaiting Phil Parkinson’s side.
Wrexham’s Carabao Cup adventure continues after Nathan Broadhead’s brilliant double sealed a 2-0 victory over Reading at the Racecourse Ground. The win sends Phil Parkinson’s side into the fourth round for the first time since 1977, keeping alive hopes of a dream tie against a Premier League giant.
The Dragons, who had already eliminated Championship opposition in Hull City and Preston, struggled to impose themselves in a cagey first half. Reading looked sharper and came closest when Kamari Doyle rattled the post just before the break. Wrexham’s fans feared another uphill battle, but the game turned decisively in the second half.
Broadhead broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, pouncing on a loose ball after Elliot Lee’s effort was blocked to lash home the opener. Thirteen minutes later, he doubled the lead with a towering header from Ryan Barnett’s cross that thundered off the underside of the bar and over the line.
The £10m summer signing from Ipswich justified his record price tag with a performance full of energy, sharp finishing, and movement that Reading could not contain. His brace not only carried Wrexham through but underlined his importance in their push to compete on multiple fronts this season.
At the other end, Reading forward Mark O’Mahony endured a frustrating night. On loan from Brighton, the youngster rarely threatened and wasted his best chance when he clipped the post in the first half.
For Parkinson, this victory represents another milestone in Wrexham’s modern rise under their Hollywood-backed ownership. With a Premier League opponent potentially awaiting in the next round, the dream of a blockbuster night under the lights at the Racecourse is closer than ever.
What’s next?
Wrexham will discover their fourth-round opponents in Wednesday’s Carabao Cup draw, while attention quickly turns back to the Championship, where they host Derby County on Saturday.
