Wrexham have won against Blackpool in League One, with James McClean captaining his side to glory.
But it was his forwards he had to thank. Paul Mullin and Steven Fletcher grabbed the headlines as their two strikes gave the Red Dragons a 2-1 victory against the Tangerines.
The first Wrexham win of the festive season keeps them well among the promotion spots in League One as we build up to 2025.
Whilst many Wrexham players had good games, Mark Howard deserves to be commended for a monumental feat he achieved by starting against Steve Bruce’s men.
Mark Howard reaches 400-game career milestone
Howard’s appearance between the sticks against Blackpool means the Wrexham veteran has now obtained a monumental 400 games in his illustrious career.
The club took to X to congratulate him on this milestone.
Howard has been sensational in Arthur Okonkwo’s absence this season and was again so against Blackpool.
In particular, he made a simply sensational stop in the second half which kept the score at 1-1. If he hadn’t, the result could have turned out much differently.
James McClean congratulates Mark Howard
Wrexham captain McClean took to Instagram to congratulate his goalkeeper on 400 career appearances. He wrote: ‘Congrats on 400 career apps old fella’.
Howard will certainly be featuring in a few more this season for Wrexham, with Okonkwo still not back to full fitness – although he is getting closer.
The now 38-year-old could very well finish his career at the Stok Racecourse, and what a career it’s been.
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005–2006 | Arsenal | 0 | (0) |
| 2005–2006 | → Falkirk (loan) | 8 | (0) |
| 2006–2007 | Cardiff City | 0 | (0) |
| 2007 | → Swansea City (loan) | 0 | (0) |
| 2007–2010 | St Mirren | 46 | (0) |
| 2010–2011 | Aberdeen | 9 | (0) |
| 2011–2012 | Blackpool | 4 | (0) |
| 2012–2016 | Sheffield United | 80 | (0) |
| 2016–2018 | Bolton Wanderers | 35 | (0) |
| 2018–2020 | Blackpool | 36 | (0) |
| 2019 | → Salford City (loan) | 3 | (0) |
| 2020–2021 | Scunthorpe United | 34 | (0) |
| 2021–2022 | Carlisle United | 35 | (0) |
| 2022– | Wrexham | 45 | (0) |
Happy 400, Mark – here’s to many more.