Wrexham faced off with Crawley Town in a League One meeting on Saturday afternoon, looking to bounce back from a harrowing defeat last time out.
The Red Dragons saw their unbeaten home record, which had stood since March 2024, come to an end in a 3-2 defeat to Stevenage.
Phil Parkinson hinted at making changes after that shock loss and certainly did that for the meeting with Crawley Town.
After only signing on Friday, Jay Rodriguez and Sam Smith were both named in the starting lineup on Saturday.
Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer were not included in the squad, though the former was said to have a shin injury.
Lewis Brunt and Eoghan O’Connell both came back into the side at centre-back, while Mark Howard started in goal in place of Arthur Okonkwo, who was dire last time out.
With two new strikers at the helm, Wrexham fans will have expected big things from their team on February 1st.
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Wrexham fans in agreement about Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez vs Crawley Town
Things got off to a bright start when Matty James fired home after just 62 seconds, being assisted by Ollie Rathbone.
After James’ goal, play did slow down somewhat but it was a much more positive showing from Wrexham and fans have now taken to social media to praise to two debutants on the day – Rodriguez and Smith.
One fan wrote: “Smith and JRod are already making chances. Liking what I see from both so far.”
A second added: “Quite a few nice runs with some close chances for Smith, in particular. He’s good on the ball and tough for defenders to handle.”
“To be fair been very even, Crawley creating good space, been very impressed with Smith though, up front,” a third stated.
A fourth Wrexham fan stated: “Loving Jay Rod right now. Good physical play.”
While a fifth Red Dragons supporter wrote: “Bright from Jay so far, good chance then.”
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Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer Wrexham careers could be over
Wrexham have been crying out for fresh legs up front and though not the most thrilling showing, it’s already clear Rodriguez and Smith are major upgrades on Mullin and Palmer.
Clubs have enquired about Mullin and Palmer this week after the Red Dragons made two new signings.
Both players were left out on Saturday as well and right now, it’s hard to see how they get back into the matchday squad at all.
Even if Smith or Rodriguez need a rest or get injured, Jack Marriott and Steven Fletcher, on this season’s form, deserve to come in for them, not Mullin or Palmer.