The previous encounter between Wrexham and Reading left Phil Parkinson far from happy after missing out on a ‘great opportunity’ in the 2024/25 League One season.
Wrexham are in EFL Cup action this week against Reading, where the Red Dragons will have the opportunity to progress past the fourth round.
Phil Parkinson is chasing history with Wrexham, with the club failing to reach the fourth round in the EFL Cup in 49 years. The 1976/77 campaign saw them reach the quarter finals, where they eventually bowed out to Aston Villa.
Red Dragons’ supporters will feel confident going into the midweek cup tie against a League One side who have endured a challenging start to their 2025/26 season, but history does not suggest that it will be an easy task for Wrexham.
What happened in Wrexham’s previous encounter with Reading
Wrexham were victorious in their 2024/25 League One season, having achieved automatic promotion to the Championship.
However, things were made difficult in a visit to Reading, which saw the Royals’ dispatched of the Red Dragons, despite being down to 10 men.
Harvey Knibbs and Lewis Wing scored in the 51st and 55th minute, respectively, until the game turned after Michael Stickland was handed a red card in the 75th minute.
Reacting to the game in the aftermath of the 2-0 defeat, which saw Wrexham unable to capitalise on the advantage in the latter stages, Phil Parkinson was understandably bemused at his side for not making more of the game.
“It was a great opportunity and we haven’t taken it,” Parkinson said via the BBC. “That’s the harsh reality of it.
“Preparation was good, we came down here ready to give it our all and we came up short.
“Of course we can do better and it’s not all about the ref – we’ve had chances to get back into the game and we haven’t taken them.”
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Wrexham’s record against Reading
Despite the 2-0 defeat away against Reading, Wrexham won the home tie 3-0, which saw Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee get on the scoresheet.
That home victory at the Racecourse Ground was Wrexham’s first win against Reading in 26 years, having failed to beat the Royals in seven games before that long-awaited clash.
In 31 appearances between the two clubs, Wrexham have only won 10 games.
The previous 10 meetings between both Wrexham and Reading have seen the Red Dragons pick up just two wins, compared to the Royals’ seven.
With a place in the EFL Cup fourth round awaiting Wrexham, hopefully they can put their poor record against Reading behind them.