Wrexham played host to Bolton Wanderers in an EFL Trophy meeting on Tuesday evening, looking to book their place in the semi-final.
Owing to fixture delays, Wrexham were already aware they would face Peterborough United in the semi-finals of the competition if they progressed on February 11th.
A potential meeting with League One promotion rivals Birmingham City in the final was also on the cards but they first had to get past Bolton Wanderers.
Wrexham drew 0-0 with Bolton in a league meeting earlier this season but both side’s starting lineups were expected to look a lot different on Tuesday.
It was a very fiesty opening 45 minutes, which saw Bolton have more of the ball and the better chances but neither team created an awful lot of note.
In a bid to turn his team’s fortunes around, Parkinson opted to make four changes at once shortly after the hour mark.
The changes seemed to work well as a long-range effort from Andy Cannon put Wrexham 1-0 up after 70 minutes and that was enough to book their place in the next round.
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Here’s how the Wrexham players rated versus Bolton –
Arthur Okonkwo – 7
Made a much more confident start to what we saw at Port Vale seven days ago. Pulled out some key saves and dealt with crosses well.
Thomas O’Connor – 7
Pretty solid showing, dominant in the air and didn’t really put a foot wrong for much of the tie.
Dan Scarr – 7
A much more competent display than he produced last week. Cleared his lines well, won several duels and better in possesion.
Lewis Brunt – 6
Started on the left of the back three in Max Cleworth’s absence and wasn’t at his best. Sloppy in possession on occasion, nearly playing in the away team on a couple of occasions.
Ryan Longman – 6
A quiet start to the game but became more of a threat as the 90 minutes wore on.
Andy Cannon – 8
Poor in possession at times early on but gew into the match and his goal was a moment of sheer quality.
George Evans – 7
Made some key tackles and was all round good defensively. Assisted Cannon for his goal, though the latter did do most of the work.
Elliot Lee – 5
Not his best showing, failing to create an awful lot for his teammates, especially in the first 45.
Sebastian Revan – 5
Another uninspiring display from the wing-back who just doesn’t seem to fit Parkinson’s system. He was decent at the back but offers nowhere near the threat of players like Longman, Ryan Barnett and James McClean in the final third.
Modou Faal – 5
Threw his body around well in a similar fashion to Ollie Palmer but failed to test the Bolton keeper.
Jack Marriott – 5
Pressed the Bolton backline well and nearly forced the opposition goalkeeper into a big error but did little else of note. Fans may have expected more given his form pre-injury.
Substitutes
Ollie Rathbone – 6
Lively cameo from the midfielder who chased down every loose ball and pressed forward well.
Ryan Barnett – 5
Not the most dazzling display from the wing-back but caused Bolton some problems down the left.
Jay Rodriguez – 5
Didn’t do much to excite supporters but passing was decent and won a number of his duels.
Sam Smith – 5
Made some good runs into the Bolton box but didn’t get a lot of services from the likes of Barnett.
Max Cleworth – N/A
Only on for a few minutes.