Middlesbrough clinched a place in the Championship play-offs after a thrilling draw with Wrexham, a result that ended the Welsh side’s hopes of finishing in the top six.
Tommy Conway gave Boro an early lead at Stok Cae Ras, but Wrexham responded in style.
Josh Windass equalised with a superb free-kick before Sam Smith powered in a header to turn the game around. However, David Strelec quickly restored parity, capping a breathless first half.
Despite a tense second period, neither side could find a winner - a result that confirmed Middlesbrough’s fifth-place finish, while Wrexham slipped out of the play-off spots after Hull City’s victory elsewhere.
Boro struck early when Conway finished from close range, but Wrexham showed resilience once again.
Windass’ stunning set-piece brought them level before Smith’s header sparked home celebrations.
That joy was short-lived as Strelec equalised just minutes later, ensuring the contest remained finely balanced heading into the break.
Both sides pushed after the interval, with chances at either end, but a decisive goal never arrived.
Wrexham threw everything forward late on, knowing victory was essential, but missed chances proved costly.
When news filtered through of Hull’s win, it confirmed their heartbreaking exit from the top six.
Despite the disappointment, it has been a remarkable season for Wrexham, who have exceeded expectations in their first second-tier campaign in over four decades.
For Middlesbrough, attention now shifts to the play-offs, where they will face in-form Southampton.
Although they narrowly missed out on automatic promotion after a late-season dip, their recent form offers encouragement heading into the semi-finals.
The draw may not have delivered everything either side wanted - but for Boro, the promotion dream remains alive.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson:
"We've taken the fight to the wire. It just wasn't to be on the day.
"I don't think we can ask the lads for much more than they gave us against a good side.
"Of course we're disappointed, we've enjoyed the season so much we didn't want it to end, but it has but.
"To finish seventh is a real achievement in itself at this level."
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg:
"There were a lot of good things. I'm disappointed we couldn't win the game.
"A beautiful goal, the first goal. We created a lot of opportunities, their free-kick was unbelievable then they scored a headed goal.
"We could have been better with the ball in some moments. Second half it was something similar I think.
"We did good in the defending but we must do better on all of the transition opportunities we had.
"This (play-offs) is a great chance for us. It's a chance we are doing everything to take."
