Wrexham supporters were disappointed after watching their side lose to Doncaster Rovers, however, one of Phil Parkinson’s troops still drew praise.
As promotion rivals MK Dons, Barrow and Crewe Alexandra all dropped points on Easter Monday, Wrexham failed to capitalise by losing against Doncaster Rovers on Tuesday night.
Phil Parkinson said after the game that his side didn’t do enough in attack, despite Paul Mullin scoring an offside goal, as Wrexham recorded 15 attempts and only landed one on target.
The Reds endured a disappointing night in South Yorkshire, as demonstrated by Luke Bolton being substituted at half-time, with Grant McCann tactically outsmarting Parkinson.
Wrexham, of course, were toothless in attack, but defensively the Welsh side were solid and centre-back Eoghan O’Connell received praise for his performance.
Eoghan O’Connell hailed as ‘vital’ in Doncaster defeat
While there have been calls to drop Will Boyle to put George Evans in midfield and slot Tom O’Connor in defence, O’Connell – alongside youngster Max Cleworth – has made himself undroppable.
Playing in their last 11 matches in League Two, the 28-year-old has shown his dominance physically and class with the ball at his feet, winning 67% of his total duels, recovering 6.4 balls per game and averaging a 79% pass completion.
The former Rochdale titan is the centrepiece of Parkinson’s side and if he were to get taken out of the starting XI, their defence would likely fall apart.
Having established himself as a key cog in Wrexham’s title charge, O’Connell continued his strong form last night with a solid display at the back despite losing.
As a result, he was praised by The Leader journalist Rich Williams for his ‘vital’ contribution. He wrote: “Made some vital blocks and a clearance off the line to keep Rovers out. 7”
Wrexham’s best defensive trio
With Evans and O’Connor back fully fit, there are questions over Wrexham’s strongest defensive trio.
Of course, Boyle has enjoyed a resurrection in a Wrexham jersey after being lambasted by supporters in the early stages of his Reds career.
However, with Evans now able to take his spot in defensive midfield and O’Connor’s preferred position in central defence, Parkinson’s best defensive trio is arguably Cleworth, O’Connell and O’Connor.
Following a hamstring injury, Evans has been eased back into the action, playing 31 minutes in their last two outings.
Now, the 29-year-old could take his spot in the engine room alongside Andy Cannon and Elliot Lee with O’Connor – who grabbed an assist from midfield against Grimbsy – returning to the back three.
If Parkinson does make this tactical switch, it can be the catalyst for achieving automatic promotion in their final five games.