Wrexham’s historic hopes of winning promotion for the fourth year in a row ended with a 2-2 draw in the Sky Bet Championship against Middlesbrough at SToK Cae Ras.
Hull took advantage of Wrexham, who had played in the National League three years earlier, to drop points and secure sixth place with a 2-1 win over Norwich.
Middlesbrough finished fifth and progressed to the play-offs, where they will face Southampton in the semi-finals, while Wrexham finished seventh.
After a see-saw afternoon that started inside the top six, Wrexham quickly moved out of the top six with Tommy Conway putting Boro ahead after four minutes.
Goals from Josh Windass and Sam Smith brought Wrexham back above the dotted line, but David Strelek leveled the score towards the end of an eventful first half.
Neither team was able to find a winner to make an impact – fourth place would have given Boro home advantage in the second leg of the semi-final – but it wasn’t for a lack of trying.
Wrexham’s quick start fizzled out after four minutes as Ollie Rathbone was targeted from 30 yards out and Boro’s Adilson Maranda and Sol Bryn were caught up in a potentially damaging melee.
Morgan Whittaker had Callum Britten-Herring sent off and his cross was turned in by Conway from close range, leaving goalkeeper Danny Ward in doubt.
Fans celebrating Boro would not have welcomed the news that Ipswich’s hopes of automatic promotion had ended with an early 2-0 lead, and they were silenced after 28 minutes.
Smith was fouled and gave Windass a chance to shoot from nearly 30 yards, and Wrexham’s top scorer curled the ball away from Bullin and into the top left corner for his 17th goal of the season in all competitions.
Once Boro regained consciousness, Whittaker headed towards the Ayring centre, but the visitors soon fell behind.
Issa Kabore broke down the right and brought in a cross which Smith headed home to put Wrexham back in the top six.
Two minutes later, Matt Targett’s cross freed Strelets and Ward had no choice but to score with a cushioned volley, sending the team back into the ring.
The second half started in an open fashion with Bullin grabbing Smith and Rathbone in attack and Ayling trying his luck from long range at the other end.
Boro almost regained the lead with a well-worked move, but Strelets’ close-range shot was first saved by Ward and then by Callum Doyle on the goal line.
Wrexham introduced Kieffer Moore and Nathan Broadhead, Hull took the lead and the Tigers retained their play-off places.
But Boro also pushed and Ayling’s header deflected inches wide of the far post.
A thrilling finale saw Moore fire a wild shot as Smith failed to connect cleanly from an inviting ball and Windass fired from the edge of the box to deny Wrexham’s winner coming.
Play-off semi-final first leg
Hull v Millwall – Friday 8th May, 8pm kick-off Middlesbrough v Southampton – Saturday 9th May, 12:30pm kick-off
Play-off semi-final second leg
Millwall v Hull – Monday 11th May, 8pm Southampton v Middlesbrough – Tuesday 12th May, 8pm
playoff final
Saturday 23rd May, Wembley Stadium
managers
Phil Parkinson of Wrexham:
“We went into the fight determined and there was no way it was going to happen that day.
“I don’t think I could have asked for more from the players against such a good team.
“It was a huge effort to react like that after conceding a goal.
“I’ve enjoyed it so much that I didn’t want the season to end. It did, but to finish seventh is a real feat at this level.”
Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds’ Instagram:
“I’m completely disappointed with today’s result, but I’m very proud of this season.
“We have come a long way in five years. This was the best result in our 150-year history. There is still work to do, but for now the Reds have much to be proud of.”
Kim Helberg of Middlesbrough:
“I knew there was little chance of me getting into an automatic, but there’s no need to get too depressed knowing it’s not possible.
“We’re in the playoffs and this is a great opportunity for us.
“Four teams, a 25 per cent chance, a great chance, but Southampton are a very good football team.
“It’s disappointing that we didn’t win the game, but there were a lot of good things that happened.”
