Wrexham’s hopes of clinching a place in the Premier League were hit this afternoon by defeat at Coventry.
Phil Parkinson’s side went into the game in sixth place in the Championship, the final position that would secure a spot in the end-of-season play-offs, and knowing a win would move them three points clear of Hull with just one game to go.
But Wrexham were unable to stave off a defeat confirmed by late goals from Victor Torp and Ephron Mason-Clarke. The Welsh club now have to beat high-flying Middlesbrough next weekend to guarantee a top-six finish.
Coventry enjoy final home game by seeing off Wrexham
It was a party atmosphere at the CBS Arena with the home side having already clinched the title and a place in the top-flight next season.
And they made a bright start that was rewarded when Brandon Thomas-Asante poked home Mason-Clarke’s cross in the 19th minute.
The lead lasted just seven minutes, though, with Ollie Rathbone’s shot finding a way through a crowd of players and into the net.
Wrexham’s physical approach was starting to frustrate Frank Lampard’s side and Wrexham almost capitalised with left wing-back George Thomason crashing a shot off the inside of the post after 37 minutes.
Torp and Mason-Clarke finish off Wrexham
Coventry regained their composure at the start of the second half and Wrexham goalkeeper Danny Ward was called upon to make a smart save to deny Haji Wright.
The home side came close again midway through the second period. Dan Scarr’s headed backpass lacked power and Coventry full-back Milan van Ewijk nipped in only for his heavy touch to enable Dom Hyam to usher him away from danger.
At the other end, Carl Rushworth made a brilliant save to deny Sam Smith in what was to prove a pivotal moment as, with 10 minutes to go, Torp curled a free-kick into the net with question marks surrounding Ward’s positioning.
But there was nothing the Wrexham goalkeeper could do when Mason-Clarke burst through to make it 3-1 four minutes into stoppage time.
