Wrexham are pushing for promotion, but one defender let go by Phil Parkinson last summer is fighting to avoid dropping into the National League.
The sun is out, and the end of the season is almost here.
It doesn’t feel like two minutes since Jack Marriott volleyed a stunner into the back of the net on the opening day against Wycombe Wanderers.
Wrexham now have just five games to go, and Phil Parkinson is closing in on promotion to the Championship.
Wrexham’s 3-0 win over Burton Albion has opened up a six-point gap over Wycombe in the race for second place.
Fans have every reason to be excited, but the end of the season isn’t just about promotion – as one former Wrexham defender is finding.
Aaron Hayden scores dramatic winner in relegation battle
Relegation is something Wrexham fans haven’t had to worry about for a while now, but Aaron Hayden finds himself in that struggle.
Hayden re-signed for Carlisle United over the summer, having been let go by Wrexham at the end of his contract.
The defender played a key role in the Wrexham rise, scoring 11 goals in 26 games during the 2022-23 promotion-winning National League campaign.
Wrexham’s rise has been a long way from Hayden’s thoughts this season, though, with Carlisle in danger of successive relegations.
Carlisle appointed Mark Hughes as their new manager earlier this year but remain bottom of the League Two table – and still sit eight points adrift of safety despite beating Newport County 3-2 on Saturday.
Newport went 2-0 up and appeared to be sending Carlisle towards the National League before a stirring comeback.
Georgie Kelly’s brace hauled Carlisle level before Hayden popped up with the winner from close range, sending Brunton Park wild.
Carlisle are still in a real fight and have just five games to save themselves, so it’s still an uphill battle.
Hayden’s dramatic goal at least gives Carlisle hope, though, and the former Wrexham ace will hope that his goal on Saturday sparks a run to survival.
Aaron Hayden looking to find consistency at Carlisle United
Injuries became a problem for Hayden last season, and he has endured a stop-start season at Carlisle.
Hayden’s goal on Saturday came in just his fifth start of 2025 with injury and illness keeping him out.
We know how good Hayden can be when he is fit and firing, especially with the goal threat he can provide from set pieces.
The end of the season is in sight, but Hayden and Carlisle have something to fight for – and the former Wrexham defender can make a big impact for Hughes’ side if he can maintain his availability in the coming weeks.