Wrexham conceded another late goal as the points were shared in their League One clash with Bristol Rovers on Saturday.
After Wrexham’s draw with Cambridge United, Phil Parkinson’s side were looking to return to winning ways and capitalise on league leaders Wycombe Wanderers dropping points.
In blustery conditions, Wrexham made the perfect start as Elliot Lee rolled the ball under Josh Griffiths after a brilliant pass by Matty James.
Lee picked up an injury and had to be replaced by Paul Mullin, who looked to kickstart his struggling season.
Wrexham seemed comfortable in the second half and seemed to be comfortably closing in on victory before a defensive mistake by Ryan Barnett led to Promise Omochere heading home an equaliser.
After another disappointing draw, here are five things we learned as Wrexham shared the points with Bristol Rovers on Saturday in League One.
Matty James repays his new Wrexham contract
After signing for the Red Dragons in October, James signed a new Wrexham deal that will keep him at the Racecourse Ground until the end of the season.
The midfielder immediately showed why he was offered the extension, splitting the Bristol Rovers defence to find Lee for a simple finish.
James’ Premier League pedigree was evident in the pass, whilst his excellent defensive work at the base of Wrexham’s midfield was crucial to Wrexham claiming a point.
Concern over Elliot Lee
Lee scored his sixth goal of the season with the opening goal of the game against The Gas but was forced off with an injury just 20 minutes later.
Parkinson has praised Lee in recent weeks, leaving the Wrexham manager with an anxious wait to see whether one of his most effective attacking stars will be missing for an extended period.
Paul Mullin with a brighter performance
Replacing Lee was Mullin, who has been struggling to find his usual form since Wrexham’s promotion to League One.
Wrexham fans have been encouraging Mullin despite his poor form and he looked closer to his usual self against Bristol Rovers.
He lashed his best shooting chance over the bar but made plenty of selfless runs to create space for Ollie Palmer and Steven Fletcher. Mullin also created a decent chance for James McClean, but the wing-back’s shot was blocked.
A rare defensive error by Ryan Barnett
Wrexham looked to be seeing out the game quite comfortably, but a poor decision by Ryan Barnett gave The Gas an unlikely equaliser.
Barnett let a cross into the box bounce rather than clearing immediately, gifting Luke Thomas the chance to cross for Omochere to head home.
Wrexham’s lack of a killer touch will concern Phil Parkinson
Consecutive draws is by no means a blip, but back-to-back games where Wrexham have failed to put away their opponents to secure victory.
The Wrexham squad have been imperious defensively but there has always been a worry about their goalscoring abilities. If Parkinson’s side are to secure a third-consecutive promotion, they must find a way to add more goals to not let three points slip like against Cambridge and Bristol Rovers.