Wrexham 3-0 Charlton Athletic
WREXHAM secured a famous third consecutive promotion as they comfortably beat Charlton Athletic 3-0 at the STōK Cae Ras, clinching their place in the Championship for the first time in over four decades.

With Wycombe Wanderers slipping to defeat earlier in the day, Phil Parkinson’s side knew that a win would guarantee them second place in League One — and they delivered in style.

Ollie Rathbone fired the hosts into an early lead after 15 minutes with a low strike from outside the box, before Sam Smith doubled the advantage just three minutes later with a composed volley following Matty James’ lofted pass.

Charlton struggled to recover from the quickfire double blow. Although Nathan Jones’ men pushed for a response, Wrexham’s well-organised defence — marshalled by Arthur Okonkwo in goal — stood firm to record their 23rd clean sheet of the campaign.

In front of jubilant Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, Wrexham rounded off the win late on, as Smith rose highest to nod home Max Cleworth’s cross in the 81st minute, sealing his second goal of the afternoon.

The result ended Charlton’s hopes of automatic promotion. The Addicks, currently sitting fifth, will now turn their focus to the League One play-offs.

Key Moments

• 15′ – Goal: O. Rathbone (Wrexham)
• 18′ – Goal: S. Smith (Wrexham)
• 81′ – Goal: S. Smith (Wrexham)

Assists

• M. James (15′, 18′)
• M. Cleworth (81′)

Match Summary
Parkinson named an unchanged side following the vital win at Blackpool earlier in the week, while Charlton boss Nathan Jones — who had branded Wrexham a “circus” before the game — made two changes to his team.

The match started evenly, but Wrexham took control with two quick goals, prompting chants from the home fans aimed at Jones’ earlier remarks.

Charlton had a couple of half-chances, with Okonkwo making a sharp save from Tennai Watson, but it was Wrexham who looked the more dangerous throughout.

Late substitutions helped Wrexham see the game out comfortably before Smith’s second goal sparked wild celebrations, marking a historic day for the club — who were playing in non-league football just two years ago.

Next Fixtures

• Wrexham travel to Lincoln City for the final day of the season.
• Charlton host Burton Albion ahead of their play-off campaign.

MARK Williams rolled back the years at the World Snooker Championship, reaching his 12th Crucible quarterfinal and revealing he is desperate for a dream clash with fellow Class of ’92 star John Higgins.

The Welsh Potting Machine, who turned 50 last month, overcame Iran’s Hossein Vafaei 13-10 in a tense encounter that featured a remarkable seven re-racks.

After the match, Williams admitted he is hoping Higgins, who led China’s Xiao Guodong 12-11 heading into the evening session, will join him in the last eight.

“I would love John to win tonight, I really would,” said Williams. “The occasion, and where we are in our careers. I just think it’d be a fabulous occasion.”

Williams, who has battled deteriorating eyesight in recent months, said the chance to face Higgins again at this stage of their careers would be unforgettable.

“The reception we’d have going in, it’d be unbelievable. Probably like the Masters when we played a couple of years ago,” he said. “It’s something I really, really would like to play in, that atmosphere again. I am really rooting for John. Come on the old boys!”

Williams also opened up about the difficulties he has faced with his vision, admitting everything from the balls to the scoreboard now appears “blurry.” He has scheduled lens replacement surgery for June in a bid to prolong his illustrious career.

Despite the challenges, Williams said he finally feels positive about his game again after what he described as an “unusual battle” against Vafaei.

“I thought it was a funny game because a lot of frames could have gone either way,” he said. “We had seven re-racks which is unheard of. I made a lot of really good breaks. I missed a few easy ones, but that’s what I do.”

With his victory, Williams becomes the oldest World Championship quarterfinalist since Steve Davis, who reached the last eight in 2010 at the age of 52.

If Higgins can complete his win over Xiao, fans could be treated to a showdown between two legends who first turned professional together more than three decades ago.

All quotes courtesy of SportsBoom.

Crymych 28 – Tata Steel 36

CRYMYCH gave league leaders Tata Steel a real scare in a thrilling Championship contest that showcased the hosts’ fighting spirit — even if they left empty-handed.

The Preseli side started strongly, with centre Ifan Phillips bursting through for a well-worked try, converted by Elis Thomas.

But Tata responded with power and precision, their dominant forwards laying the platform for four unanswered tries before the break. The visitors went in at half-time 26-7 up, with a bonus point secured.

To their credit, Crymych came out firing. Winger Rhodri George finished a sweeping move soon after the restart, and Thomas added the extras to narrow the gap.

Tata remained clinical, stretching their lead with a further 10 points. Yet Crymych refused to lie down — Phillips grabbed his second of the afternoon before No. 8 Osian Davies rounded off a powerful surge, aided by Tom Taylor and Jon Hill. Thomas converted both to bring the score to 36-28.

With just minutes remaining, Crymych pushed for a losing bonus point — but a late Tata try denied them that small reward.

Still, the performance offered real positives, and Crymych now have time to regroup before the final stretch of the season. Replicate this level of intensity, and survival remains firmly within reach.

Crymych squad:
Adam Phillips; Rhodri George, Tomos Lewis, Ifan Phillips, Hedd George; Elis Thomas, Dafydd Phillips; Gruff Williams, Lee Griffiths, Ben Cox; Matthew Freebury, Llyr Davies; Tom Taylor, Jon Hill, Osian Davies.
Replacements: Lloyd Davies, Rhys Davies, Sion Wilson, Ianto Davies, Jac Griffiths.