Wrexham went into their League One clash with Crawley Town six points behind Wycombe Wanderers in the final automatic promotion spot.
Spirits were high heading into the match after Wrexham confirmed the signing of Sam Smith from Reading then just hours later Wrexham announced Jay Rodriguez had joined from Burnley.
Both new signings were in Phil Parkinson’s starting eleven and were joined by Mark Howard and Eoghan O’Connell in four changes from the Stevenage defeat.
Matty James got Wrexham off to the perfect start firing home from just inside the box after a fine pass from fellow midfielder Ollie Rathbone.
Wrexham looked to have seen out the game for a crucial three points before a late stunner from Crawley’s Bradley Ibrahim stole the show, a strike from 30 yards flew into the top corner.
The Red Dragons did not give up however, with the last kick of the game substitute Ryan Longman provided a cross for fellow sub Elliot Lee to head home and grab a vital three points.
Three winners from Wrexham’s clash with Crawley Town
Matty James
Scoring is always a bonus but it wasn’t just his goal that made James stand out in the game. His endeavour and leadership in the middle of the park was key, especially during periods of pressure from the home side.
Fans were critical of James during the defeat to Stevenage but the experienced midfielder has responded in the best way possible and proven he is well worth his place in the team.
Lewis Brunt
Back into the side following an calf issue that kept him out for a month, Brunt was outstanding at the back. He was commanding in the air and made some crucial blocks and interventions as Crawley searched for an equaliser.
Wrexham are still unbeaten with Brunt in the team and this performance has surely cemented a regular run in the team should he be able to stay fit.
Elliot Lee
Dropped from the side after having had a run of games in the front two with Palmer, Lee was the hero as he came off the bench late on to secure a vital three points.
He made a late run into the box from a deeper midfield position and was there to head home a brilliant cross from Longman. Parkinson will surely now look at that and consider Lee in a deeper role in the coming games.
Two losers from Wrexham’s clash with Crawley Town
Ollie Palmer
The upgrade in the performance following the introduction of Smith and Rodriguez was evident for all to see. Palmer wasn’t part of the matchday squad and there is a feeling that he could have played his last game for the club.
Should Palmer leave before the deadline, he will leave with the blessing of every single Wrexham fan having been an outstanding servant for the club with 42 goals in 148 appearances.
Arthur Okonkwo
Dropped following his poor performance at home to Stevenage where Okonkwo picked up a 2/10 in the Wrexham player ratings. Deputy Mark Howard came in to the side victorious over Crawley and did nothing to suggest there will be a dramatic change in goal.
Howard had a solid game, claimed a number of crosses into the box and could do nothing about Crawley’s spectacular equaliser. Okonkwo may find himself watching from the sideline for the next few match.