Wrexham are back in the automatic promotion places after beating Blackpool 2-1 at Bloomfield Road on Monday afternoon.
Wrexham only drew with Bristol Rovers on Friday afternoon, swinging the League One promotion race back in Wycombe Wanderers’ favour.
Phil Parkinson’s side travelled to Blackpool sitting just one point behind Wycombe, but are now two points ahead after a big victory on the seaside.
Wrexham captain James McClean grabbed the opener in the second half, before Ollie Rathbone added number two just moments later.
Rob Apter pulled one back for Blackpool late on, but Wrexham had enough for a 2-1 victory.
Now back in second place with two games to go, let’s dig into some key talking points from Monday’s victory…
James McClean back in the goals
Phil Parkinson decided to make changes for the trip to Bloomfield Road, bringing James McClean back into the side.
Ryan Longman and Ryan Barnett started against Bristol Rovers, but McClean returned down the left, with Longman moving back to the right side.
McClean went so close to scoring in the first half, driving into the box to force a brilliant save from Blackpool stopper Harry Tyrer.
The Wrexham captain did get his goal after the break, though, as his effort from the right-hand side of the box found its way in.
This was McClean’s first goal since the 2-2 draw with Cambridge United back in December – and what a perfect time to get back on the scoresheet.
Charlton Athletic give Phil Parkinson a huge favour
Not only did Wrexham grab all three points, but Charlton Athletic produced a huge victory at Wycombe Wanderers.
The Addicks racked up four goals in a thumping 4-0 victory at Adams Park, allowing Wrexham to reclaim second place.
Parkinson’s former side came up with a huge performance and their goal tally certainly helps Wrexham’s cause.
Wrexham now sit level with Wycombe in terms of goal difference, with Monday’s results providing a real swing in that regard.
Wrexham are now in the box seat – but must avoid defeat against Charlton too, with a huge game coming this weekend.
Jay Rodriguez’s moment of quality
Wrexham signed Jay Rodriguez in January, luring the veteran striker away from Burnley.
Rodriguez has struggled for form in a Wrexham shirt, scoring just twice – one penalty and one rebound from a penalty.
Wrexham fans criticised Rodriguez after his display against Bristol Rovers on Friday, but Parkinson kept the faith with him against Blackpool.
Rodriguez had one great chance in the first half, shooting straight at Tyrer in the Blackpool goal.
Ollie Rathbone’s goal showed off Rodriguez’s class, though, as he brilliantly trapped a right-wing cross before perfectly laying the ball off for Rathbone to score.
Rodriguez may not have scored the goals many Wrexham fans expected, but that one moment proved to be a match-winning contribution.
Dan Scarr steps up in Wrexham back line
Eoghan O’Connell picked up a knock against Bristol Rovers on Friday, meaning Dan Scarr came into the side on Monday.
Scarr produced a brilliant performance, including one lunging clearance as Blackpool appeared ready to threaten Arthur Okonkwo’s goal.
Conceding the goal late on may annoy Scarr, as a clean sheet would have capped off a superb display.
Scarr certainly proved that he can step up and replace O’Connell when needed, though, and may well keep his place against Charlton Athletic this weekend.
The summer signing from Plymouth Argyle hasn’t played quite as many games as he would have wanted, but he would play a key role in potentially clinching promotion.
Rob McElhenney watches Wrexham win from the stands
Wrexham’s travelling fans will head home happy, embracing a brilliant victory in – hopefully – the penultimate home game of the season.
Co-owner Rob McElhenney was in town to watch Wrexham against Bristol Rovers on Friday, but will have been frustrated with a 1-1 draw.
McElhenney took a different approach on Monday, watching from the stands with the travelling Wrexham supporters.
Decked out in a Wrexham scarf, McElhenney posed with fans and watched a superb away victory.
This could prove to be a pivotal day in the League One promotion race, and McElhenney will certainly hope to remember this day fondly as he joined the die-hard Wrexham faithful.