Wrexham’s promotion hopes took a real dent on Tuesday night with a 2-1 home defeat at the hands of Leyton Orient.
Wrexham had bounced back brilliantly after a first home defeat of the season to Stevenage in January.
Four wins in a row in all competitions had seemingly got Wrexham right back on track, especially with three away wins in that run.
Phil Parkinson came crashing back down to earth on Tuesday night though as Leyton Orient produced a fine display at the STōK Cae Ras.
Ollie Rathbone opened the scoring for Wrexham but Charlie Kelman levelled it up for in-form Orient.
Wrexham needed to pick it up after the break but came out flat with Jamie Donley bagging the winner, handing Orient a 2-1 victory.
Phil Parkinson on Ollie Rathbone
Rathbone was a rare bright spot in Wrexham’s defeat as he continues his outstanding form.
The midfielder scored Wrexham’s second goal against Northampton Town on Saturday and added another goal to his tally by firing Wrexham ahead against Orient.
Rathbone has noted his goalscoring improvement and will have been delighted to find the net once again on Tuesday night.
That was as good as the night got for Wrexham though and Parkinson feels that there was a problem around Rathbone’s display.
Speaking on Wrexham’s official YouTube channel, Parkinson noted that Rathbone simply wasn’t given the ball enough in the second half.
Parkinson feels that Rathbone is so good when picking up pockets of space and driving towards the box.
Wrexham didn’t find Rathbone often enough in the second half though, leaving Parkinson frustrated with his teammates for not getting the ball to him more regularly.
“It was a great finish from him, it was a very good delivery from Jim,” said Parkinson.
“He’s in a good vein of form and it was a terrific finish. All-round, we didn’t get him on the ball as much as we’d have liked.
“He relies on people giving him the ball in that pocket and then driving at the opposition but the times we got him on the ball in the second half were few and far between, but yeah, we’re pleased he’s got another one,” he added.
Ollie Rathbone needs help in Wrexham midfield
Rathbone’s goalscoring record of late has been impressive and Wrexham certainly need that right now.
Elliot Lee was involved in a road traffic accident last week and it’s unclear just when he will be back in action for Wrexham.
That is a major blow to Wrexham’s goal threat from midfield but Lee also offers guile and creativity.
Rathbone has energy and goal threat but he can’t do it all on his own; Wrexham’s other midfielders must step up.
Andy Cannon impressed fans with a goal against Bolton Wanderers last week and may be knocking on the door for opportunities.
George Dobson and Matty James offer solidity in midfield but neither are particularly impactful in the final third.
Finding Rathbone in pockets of space or chipping in with goals and assists must now be a priority for Wrexham midfielders with Lee out of action.