Wrexham knew that three points against Huddersfield Town could be crucial in their quest for promotion from League One.
Phil Parkinson kept the same side that drew with Bolton, meaning that Matty James continued in midfield despite struggling in the Wrexham player ratings in the previous match.
Wrexham and Huddersfield have struggled for goals in recent weeks and it was a cagey start to the game with chance at a premium in the first half.
However, the decisive moment came in the second half as substitute Steven Fletcher was on hand to smash the ball home on the line after a good stop from the Huddersfield keeper.
Wrexham produced a stubborn and resilient performance in securing a vital 1-0 victory, here are the winners and losers from Wrexham’s League One clash with Huddersfield Town.
Winners from Wrexham’s clash with Huddersfield Town
Steven Fletcher
It has become a wonderful habit for Fletcher to get in this season as he makes yet another impact off the bench to grab a vital winner for the Red Dragons.
It wasn’t pretty, it wasn’t spectacular but the experienced Scot knew exactly where to be in the box as the Huddersfield keeper parried Smith’s initial header to smash the ball home.
It could prove to be a crucial three points for Wrexham as they open up a four point gap from fourth place Stockport.
Ollie Rathbone
Rathbone has shown in recent months that he is a firm candidate for Wrexham’s player of the season. It was a different performance from the midfielder as he had to stay disciplined in the centre of the park.
After working tirelessly, making countless challenges and pinching second balls, he then produced the moment of quality on the ball.
He picked the ball inside Huddersfield’s half and picked out Smith with a wonderful cross that then led to the winning goal. Rathbone’s stock continues to rise in North Wales.
Matty James
There are many who believe that James and George Dobson should not be in the same Wrexham midfield as they stifle a lot of team’s creativity.
However, this was the night that the duo combined to great effect and James in particular showed his class and experience in front of the back three.
He screened the defence well, made a number of important tackles and interceptions and was then calm in possession. An excellent performance from the veteran midfielder.
Losers from Wrexham’s clash with Huddersfield Town
Jay Rodriguez
A player of Rodriguez’s experience and quality should be realising what the Red Dragons require from him. He continues to drop deep and is leaving his partner Smith as an isolated figure up top.
Even when he is getting on the ball, there are only shades of the quality that Wrexham fans know that Rodriguez possesses and quite simply the club need more from him if they are going to achieve their promotion goal.
Sam Smith
Smith was brought to the club to quite simply score the goals to fire Wrexham to the Championship. Whilst service is far from ideal for the 26-year-old striker, you cannot help but think he should be doing more.
There is no questioning Smith’s work rate however, the intelligence of his movement needs to improve and his first touch was often found wanting. He should have scored in the lead up to the winning goal as he saw his free header from eight yards out saved.
The striker combination is not working for Parkinson’s side and the manager needs to have a serious re-think before their next clash at home to Rotherham United.