Wrexham got off to the perfect start in 2026 after they beat Blackburn Rovers 2-0 at Ewood Park in the Championship.

Goals from Sam Smith and Oliver Rathbone before the break were enough to secure all three points on the road for Phil Parkinson's side, seeing them extend their winning run in the competition to three games.

Wrexham were ahead after just 11 minutes against a struggling Blackburn side, with Matty James' long ball over the top of the Rovers defence taken down and slotted in at the near post by Smith.

Rathbone went close shortly after, only for Sean McLoughlin to block his effort in the box, as the visitors continued to cause problems with their long balls from deeper positions.

The second goal eventually came in the 38th minute, courtesy of a brilliant finish from Rathbone. Ryan Hedges failed to clear a poor free-kick from James, and Dan Scarr was able to head the ball across the box for Rathbone to volley past Aynsley Pears.

Blackburn did find some rhythm in the second half, with Moussa Baradji striking the crossbar, while Pears made an outstanding save at the other end to deny Lewis O'Brien, but Wrexham managed to hold onto their clean sheet and move within a point of the playoff places.

Data Debrief: Wrexham overcome New Year nerves

There was not much to split the two sides at Ewood Park, other than the difference in finishing in either box. Blackburn accumulated 0.64 expected goals (xG) from 12 shots to Wrexham's 0.77 from seven attempts.

Rathbone, who now has three goals in his last five appearances, led the visitors in his first start since returning from injury. He won 14 of 17 duels, regained possession nine times, drew four fouls and recorded three interceptions, leading in each of those stats for his side.

Wrexham have also won on New Year's Day in the EFL for the first time since 1966, ending a run of eight games without a win on January 1 (D2 L6).