Wrexham played their second match of their pre-season tour down under against Sydney FC at the Allianz Stadium.
Phil Parkinson began the game with new signing Danny Ward in goal and gave opportunities from the start for youngsters Harry Ashfield and Aaron James.
James McClean gave Wrexham the ideal start as his wicked free kick flashed across the Sydney penalty area and was turned into his own net by Corey Hollman.
Sydney equalised on the stroke of half time after some poor defending by the Red Dragons allowed Alexandar Popovic to fire home on the rebound after Ward initially denied a free header.
Parkinson made a flurry of changes in the second half but that could not prevent his side losing the game as Joseph Lacey struck a winning goal.
Wrexham will be disappointed to lose the match and halt momentum built from the Melbourne game, here are the winners and losers from their pre-season clash with Sydney FC.
Winners from Wrexham’s clash with Sydney FC
James McClean
McClean sent a message to the Wrexham squad upon arriving in Australia that they were there to work and not on holiday.
The skipper led by example in the first half and was head and shoulders Wrexham’s best player with his work rate and quality on the ball apparent.
His free kick led to the opening goal but he was a constant outlet on the left flank for his side and looks fitter than ever before.
With the club linked to the likes of Liberato Cacace and Owen Beck, McClean has just showed his manager that he is ready to star once again in the Championship next season.
Ryan Longman
Ryan Longman impressed in the opening game of pre-season and once again caught the eye as a second half substitute.
He wasn’t given long to make an impact, coming on in the 60th minute but the January acquisition showed his pace and confidence to be direct in Wrexham’s attacks.
The wing-back produced a stunning cross for teammate Jack Marriott, who should have scored from six yards out but saw his effort thwarted by an excellent save.
Parkinson will be impressed by Longman’s start to pre-season and will be hoping for the 24-year-old to continue his sharpness in the coming weeks.
Losers from Wrexham’s clash with Sydney FC
Ollie Rathbone
Wrexham are making a habit of losing vital players to injury on their pre-season tours and Ollie Rathbone could become the latest casualty.
Paul Mullin saw his last two pre-season campaigns hampered by injury and with Ryan Hardie also missing the clash following his clash of heads against Melbourne, these are worrying times already for Parkinson.
Rathbone was forced off just before half time after a collision with a Sydney defender where he appeared to twist his ankle upon landing.
The midfielder looked in a lot of pain and discomfort and was helped from the field by the club’s physios.
Ryan Barnett
There was no lack of endeavour or willingness from Ryan Barnett but the wing-back will be disappointed not to have made more of the opportunity to start the game.
He faces stiff competition from Longman for the right wing-back role this season and despite having the beating of his full back and creating space on a number of occasions, his final decision was lacking.
The majority of his crosses hit the first man or were overhit and he had a great chance to score in the second half but saw his effort with his weak foot blazed over the bar.
Ollie Palmer
Ollie Palmer impressed Wrexham fans with his display in the opening pre-season clash but will be disappointed with his showing against Sydney.
Palmer is fighting for his future at the club but failed to make any sort of impact during the hour he was on the pitch.
He lost a number of battles in the air and looked isolated up top, it was evident that his lack of movement was hurting Parkinson’s side on the attack.
Callum Burton
Callum Burton will be bitterly disappointed with his role in Sydney’s winning goal as his lack of footwork meant he was unable to stop Lacey’s winner.
Lacey struck the ball from outside the area and there was a lack of venom behind the shot, however, Burton let the ball squeeze through his outstretched hand.
It was his first minutes of the tour but the 28-year-old will not want to see his first contribution again.