Wrexham’s wait for a home win in the Championship goes on as they draw 1-1 with Derby County at the Racecourse on Saturday afternoon.
Lewis O’Brien opened the scoring for Wrexham just before the hour mark and it looked like they may have been heading for a victory as they looked comfortable after the opener.
However, an impeccable Ben Brereton Diaz equaliser meant that the points would be shared as both sides looked to climb away from the Championship relegation zone.
Wrexham started the match the slower of the two sides and could have been behind in the first minute, as Patrick Agyemang had a golden opportunity to blast an effort at goal, but he chose placement and put his shot well wide of the goal.
Derby may believe that Lewis O’Brien was lucky to be on the pitch; he mistimed a tackle on Ebou Adams, with his studs raking the ankle of the Rams player; however, the referee deemed it a yellow.
The Red Dragons then had a purple spell after struggling early on, with the hosts creating a few chances from the 15th minute, with Kieffer Moore coming close as he was just beaten to an Issa Kabore cross by Dion Sanderson; had he got there first, it would have been a certain goal but for the impeccable defending.
Both sides were struggling for real quality to allow them to take the lead in the first 45 minutes, and they would enter the interval all level at 0-0.
A slow opening 10 minutes of the second half was relatively quiet, but things came to life in the 55th minute as Max Johnston attempted to put the ball behind for a Wrexham corner but struck his own post.
Within 60 seconds Arthur Okonkwo was forced into action twice to keep the score at 0-0, with the keeper first saving from close range to deny Johnston before then pushing the second effort behind for a corner.
In the 59th minute Wrexham took the lead, somewhat controversially, as the man who put them into the lead was O’Brien, someone Clinton Morrison believes should have received a red card early on; however, the Wrexham fans didn’t care as he made it 1-0.
Wrexham would manage the game expertly for the next 10 minutes, but then, with a superb solo effort from 25 yards out, Ben Brereton Diaz fired a shot into the top corner of the goal to make it 1-1 after putting the ball through the legs of Lewis Brunt to create the space for his effort.
Both sides would push for a winner from this point but there was little created as the quality to unlock a defence was absent from Wrexham and Derby.
This means the 45-year wait is extended for Wrexham to get a win over Derby following this draw and their wait for a win in the second tier of English football is still 43 years.
Wrexham’s player ratings against Derby County
Arthur Okonkwo – 7
Very little he could do for the goal, as it was a superb strike for the equaliser from Brereton Diaz as it flew into the top corner. However, just before this he pulled off two saves in quick succession to keep the scores level, a fine moment in a good performance.
Lewis Brunt – 6
Performed well in defence once again. Was made to look slightly naïve for the Derby goal, as the ball was played through his legs as he rushed into the challenge; however, he continued his fine form from last weekend.
Dominic Hyam – 7
Since his addition to the defence, Wrexham have looked far more assured and confident against both Norwich and Wrexham. He appears to be the key to the solidity with his deputies on either side of him.
Max Cleworth – 6
A great presence to have beside Hyam, as they work well in the back three alongside Brunt. This has seen them look more confident and has allowed them to pick up important results as they look to move away from the relegation zone. Another solid performance from Cleworth.
Ryan Longman – 6
A steady performance in wing-back for Ryan Longman. He worked hard throughout, getting up and down the pitch; however, he did not have the same impact as Kabore on the other side of the Wrexham pitch. However, he ensured the Red Dragons’ defence was not exposed down the left.
Ben Sheaf – 7
A good solid performance at the heart of the midfield, leading the side from the middle of the pitch, working in tandem with Dobson to ensure any threat was cut out while also trying to move the ball forward to create chances.
George Dobson – 8
A solid performance at the centre of midfield, as he operated expertly alongside his central midfield teammates. He was always there to snuff out any Derby danger and constantly played simple passes to keep the play ticking.
Issa Kabore – 8
Another positive outing for the wing-back with Wrexham; while he didn’t have the same creative impact as he did against Norwich City, his creativity was still vital, and he was finally rewarded in the second half as he provided the assist for O’Brien’s goal, a terrific cross.
Lewis O’Brien – 8
Lewis O’Brien may have considered himself lucky to be on the pitch following his challenge on Adams; however, he played a significant part in the result, as he scored the opening goal of the game to put Wrexham 1-0 up, another fantastic appearance for the Red Dragons.
Josh Windass – 6
He did not have the impact that he had last week against Norwich, as he struggled to dictate proceedings and find space in dangerous areas due to the midfield duo of Adams and Lewis Travis operating there; however, he had some flashes.
Kieffer Moore – 7
Another fine performance leading the line for Wrexham, as he was a constant thorn in the side for the Derby defence, with Dion Sanderson and Kieffer Moore having a fantastic battle throughout the match.
Substitutes galore for Wrexham
Matty James – 6
Replaced Sheaf in the centre of midfield to help shore up the Wrexham side as they moved into the closing minutes of the game. He proved to be his steady and composed self in the minutes he was on the pitch.
Nathan Broadhead – N/A
Ryan Barnett – N/A
Sam Smith – N/A