Football is a funny old game. Honestly, if you’d told a Wrexham fan five years ago that they’d be hosting Norwich City in a massive Championship clash at the STōK Cae Ras, they’d have probably asked what you were drinking. Yet, here we are in January 2026. The Hollywood sparkle hasn't faded, but the reality of the second tier is hitting hard.
It was a cold Saturday afternoon, January 17, to be precise. The mood in North Wales was electric, the kind of atmosphere that makes your hair stand up. Wrexham were flying, sitting in 10th and coming off a four-game winning streak. Norwich? They were basically in the basement. 22nd in the table, fighting for their lives under Philippe Clement, who took over from Liam Manning back in November.
The Game That Flipped the Script
What most people get wrong about Norwich City vs Wrexham is the assumption that the "bigger" club always dictates the pace. Not this time. Norwich flew out of the traps like they had something to prove. Maybe they did.
The breakthrough came early. Just nine minutes in, Ali Ahmed—the new Canadian signing from Vancouver Whitecaps—showed exactly why the Canaries spent the money. He took a sharp pass from Pelle Mattsson and squared it for Anis Ben Slimane. Slimane didn't miss. 1-0. The away end went mental. For a team that has struggled to find the back of the net all season, it was a massive relief.
Wrexham weren't just going to lie down, though. They’ve got that grit. It took them a while to find their rhythm, but by the 24th minute, Sam Smith—the man filling in for the injured Kieffer Moore—headed home a beauty from a Max Cleworth cross. 1-1. The Racecourse was rocking again.
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A Medical Emergency and a Shift in Momentum
Then things got weird. Shortly after the second half started, the game ground to a halt. A medical emergency in the main stand. Referee Will Finnie did the right thing and took the players off. For 18 minutes, everything just stopped. It’s in those moments you remember that football, while we love it, is just a game.
When they came back out, Wrexham looked cold. Norwich looked hungry.
Jovon Makama, the young striker who’s basically been carrying Norwich’s survival hopes on his back, stepped up. In the 58th minute, he latched onto a Kenny McLean ball and absolutely buried it. That was his 10th league goal of the season. 13th in all competitions. Not bad for a lad who was at Lincoln City not too long ago.
What This Means for the Table
This wasn't just a 2-1 win for Norwich. It was a statement. It ended Wrexham's 10-game unbeaten run at home. Think about that for a second. Wrexham hadn't lost at the SToK Cae Ras since September 13th.
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Wrexham dropped to 10th, three points outside the playoffs. They’re still in the hunt, but this was a reality check. Norwich, meanwhile, are still in the bottom three, but they’re now within a point of Portsmouth and Blackburn. The "Great Escape" under Philippe Clement is officially on.
Why You Should Care About the History
Historically, these two don't meet that often. Before this season’s double-header, you had to go back to the 70s for a proper competitive match. In September 2025, Wrexham actually went to Carrow Road and won 3-2. That was a wild game where they came from behind.
Norwich’s win on Saturday was a bit of revenge. It brings the recent head-to-head to one win apiece in the Championship era. If you look at the all-time record, including those dusty old League Cup and FA Cup ties from 1962 and 1973, it’s still surprisingly tight.
- Total Recent Matches (2025-2026): 2
- Wrexham Wins: 1 (3-2 at Carrow Road)
- Norwich City Wins: 1 (2-1 at SToK Cae Ras)
- Top Scorer in the fixture: Josh Windass and Sam Smith for Wrexham; Jovon Makama and Anis Ben Slimane for Norwich.
The Sargent Saga and Team News
You can't talk about Norwich right now without mentioning Josh Sargent. He’s been banished to the U21s. Rumors are swirling about a move to Nottingham Forest. It’s a mess, honestly. Fans are divided. Some think he needs to apologize to the squad; others just want their best player back on the pitch.
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Wrexham have their own problems. Losing Kieffer Moore to a hamstring injury was a massive blow. Sam Smith is doing a job, but they miss that physical presence up top.
Looking Ahead: What's Next?
If you’re a betting person, don't write off Norwich City just yet. Philippe Clement seems to have found a way to make them hard to beat away from home. They were unbeaten in three away games before hitting Wrexham, and this victory proves they can handle the pressure.
For Wrexham, the Hollywood story continues, but it’s got a bit of a gritty reboot feel to it lately. They need to find that home dominance again if they want to sneak into the playoffs.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
- Watch Ali Ahmed: The Canadian winger is the real deal. His pace and vision transformed Norwich’s attack on Saturday. He’s going to be key to their survival.
- Monitor the Relegation Odds: Norwich are still 22nd, but the momentum has shifted. If they win their next game against Birmingham City at home, the odds on them staying up will plummet.
- Wrexham’s Depth Test: Without Kieffer Moore, Wrexham look a bit one-dimensional. Keep an eye on the transfer window—Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney might need to dip into the pockets for a late-January reinforcement.
- The Makama Factor: Jovon Makama is in the form of his life. He’s nominated for Championship Player of the Month for a reason. If he stays fit, Norwich stays up. It’s as simple as that.
Football moves fast. By the time the return fixtures come around or the season wraps up in May, this 2-1 result at the Racecourse might be looked back on as the turning point for both clubs—one losing its home invincibility, and the other finally finding its wings.