Goals from Matty James and Sam Smith saw Wrexham beat Derby County 2-1 to move just a point outside of the play-off places in the Championship.

This latest victory was the fourth in a row for the North Walian side over the Christmas and New Year period, seeing Phil Parkinson’s side move just outside the top six in the table.

Smith’s strike gave Wrexham the lead after 25 minutes, before Ben Brereton Diaz levelled the game before halftime for the hosts.

Matty James’ stunning strike – his first goal since April 2025 – shortly after half time earned Phil Parkinson’s men a second victory in as many games in 2026.

Discussing the performance of James – who is the only Wrexham player to feature in every league match this season – Parkinson said: “His performance was brilliant.

“You look at Matty, he’s played every game over this Christmas period and he was so good today, so good.

“I’m very pleased for him to get that goal. It was a brilliant finish.”

On Smith, Parkinson added: “I thought at Blackburn he was really good. He did everything you’d want from a striker. He ran in behind, he held it up and he got his goal.

“Today, again, against good players, you’re up against three really good Championship defenders, he’s had a brilliant chance earlier, but then he got his goal.

“It’s just his all-round play and the way he fought for the team was just brilliant.”

And while eager not to get carried away with his side’s recent run, Parkinson says Wrexham are undoubtedly better placed to finish in the top six this season as a result of their current winning streak.

“We’ve certainly put ourselves in a stronger position after the Christmas period,” he said.

“It’s four out of four over Christmas and I’m so pleased for our supporters because that support we had today was amazing.

“When you look at the costs over the Christmas period, for the supporters to come out in their numbers today was brilliant and I’m so pleased we sent them back happy.”

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