Wrexham agony as Middlesbrough draw hands Hull playoff spot

David Strelec makes it 2-2 for Middlesbrough, scoring the goal that denied Wrexham a playoff spot. Photograph: Ryan Browne/Shutterstock

The away end was awash with superheroes, including Batman and Parmo Man, as Middlesbrough sought their own footballing legend, but they needed favours from elsewhere, which were not forthcoming. In the nervous tension, there was a willingness to find enjoyment in the bank holiday sunshine.

As a goal went in at Portman Road inside three minutes, Conway started the rollercoaster in north Wales 60 seconds later by steering home a Callum Brittain cross at the near post. Danny Ward will take some blame for his failure to grab the ball, allowing Conway to pounce.

Wrexham fans look dejected as the dream of a fourth straight promotion dies. Photograph: Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images

If open play is not working, then it is a sensible idea to have a player who can bend a free-kick into the top corner from 30 yards. Windass took his time to line it up and offered Sol Brynn no chance, as the noise and optimism returned for the north Walians.

Issa Kaboré repeatedly drove at Matt Targett who coped well until the 41st minute, when Kaboré finally found an extra inch to thrash in a cross Smith was there to meet at the front post with a bullet header and put Wrexham back up to sixth.

The tumultuous nature continued, with Strelec levelling things on the day, even if Boro’s chances of moving into the top two were already ended. It was a lesson for the home side as they briefly lost concentration again, with another cross, this time from Targett.

As Ipswich and Millwall cruisedand Boro’s fans continued the carnival in one corner, only the Wrexham conundrum remained. Things changed elsewhere as Derby went behind and Hull ahead, moving the Tigers above Wrexham. In the meantime, it was becoming quiet here. Parkinson sent on Kieffer Moore for Dan Scarr, striker for centre-back, in search of the required goal, but it changed nothing.

“The standard has been set and we want to go one better next season,” Dom Hyam, the Wrexham defender, said. “We are an ambitious group, we signed some top quality players in the summer and January, so there’s a lot of disappointment. I am sure within 24 hours we will feel a lot of pride.”

Middlesbroughagainst the highly-confident Saints in the playoffs will be a thrilling tie. “This is a great chance for us. We have a 25% chance of ending up in the Premier League, we will do everything we can to take that chance,” Kim Hellberg said.

Their supporters enjoyed the party in Wales, but there is business to attend to, which could result in the biggest of all celebrations.