Match

Why Lewis Brunt was dropped for Wrexham vs Birmingham City explained by Phil Parkinson

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Lewis Brunt for Callum Doyle was the only change Phil Parkinson made when Wrexham faced Birmingham City.

The Dragons headed into the clash looking to secure their first victory over Birmingham City since 1997.

Things got off to a good start when George Dobson scored for Wrexham following a heavy period of pressure.

However, the Blues improved in the second half and found an equaliser just 20 seconds after the restart.

Phil Parkinson’s men were unable to find a second goal and had to settle for a 1-1 draw with Birmingham.

Lewis Brunt before Wrexham v Reading - Carabao Cup Third Round
Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images

Why Phil Parkinson picked Callum Doyle over Lewis Brunt

Prior to the stalemate, fans may have been surprised to see Lewis Brunt missing from the eleven.

Brunt has been in good form in the last few weeks, regaining his spot in the side after previously being axed following the addition of Callum Doyle.

However, the former Leicester City centre-back once again found himself out of the starting line-up against Birmingham.

Speaking prior to the match live on Sky Sports News, Parkinson was quizzed on why he dropped Brunt.

The Wrexham boss stated: “Tuesday, we brought a lot of players off early in the second half to freshen the teams up, and the subs did great.

“So we felt the high-energy performers were ready to go again. And Doyle has been training well over the last week, and I felt it was right to put him back on tonight.”

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson looks on
Photo by Richard Martin-Roberts – CameraSport via Getty Images

Wrexham problem continues after Birmingham City

Despite making another change at the back and Doyle playing pretty well, Wrexham’s defence remains leaky.

Birmingham came close to scoring more than one on a couple of occasions, including when Issa Kabore nearly scored an own goal and also slipped to allow an opportunity, which Demari Gray fortunately skied over the bar.

However, Chris Davies’ men eventually got their goal, meaning it was another game without a clean sheet for Wrexham.

They have managed just one shutout in the Championship this term, which is not something fans are used to seeing, given it was their superb defensive record that helped them win promotion last season.