Wrexham began 2025 with a trip to South Yorkshire, and we’ve rated all the players from the clash with Barnsley on New Year’s Day.
Phil Parkinson’s side were highly dominant in the opening stages of the game and Wrexham even had the ball in the back of the net after just three minutes, but the offside flag spoiled that party.
Then, against the run of play, Davis Keillor-Dunn proved why he is considered one of Barnsley’s key threats when he gave the Tykes the lead after 11 minutes.
The home side doubled their lead 13 minutes later after Eoghan O’Connell’s error and Wrexham struggled to create any meaningful opportunities for the rest of the half.
The tide turned in the second half, with Wrexham carving out a number of opportunities, but they still couldn’t manage to get the ball in the back of the net.
That is, until a scrappy corner routine in the 80th minute led to a goal for Max Cleworth, who thumped the ball home from six yards to set up a tense finish to the game. But, it was too little too late for the Red Dragons, and they start 2025 with defeat.
Wrexham player ratings from 2-1 defeat to Barnsley
It was another poor showing overall from the Wrexham lineup on the whole, particularly in the first half, but the players can hold their heads high after a spirited and battling display in the rain at Barnsley in the second 45.
Mark Howard – 6
Not a lot he could have done about the two Barnsley goals, to be fair. Very little to do in the second half.
Max Cleworth – 7
Guilty of pedestrian defending on both goals, failing to step up to his man and put pressure on the ball in the box. Redeemed himself with the goal to get Wrexham back in the game late on.
Eoghan O’Connell – 3
Has to take the blame for Barnsley’s second goal, giving away the ball before slipping and failing to block Adam Phillips’ effort to compound a nightmare showing for the defender.
Thomas O’Connor – 6
Had far less to do than his defensive teammates with most of the pressure coming down Wrexham’s right side.
Ryan Barnett – 7
Played some really dangerous balls into the box very early on. Once again, Wrexham’s most creative player. It was Barnett’s deep cross that led to the Max Cleworth goal.
George Dobson – 5
Another poor showing in the middle of the park, with George Dobson struggling to connect his passes and consistently letting Wrexham attacks break down as a result.
Matty James – 6
An energetic and dynamic display in midfield, winning a couple of duels and helping Wrexham keep possession at times. Became far less influential as the game went on.
Ollie Rathbone – 7
Had the ball in the back of the net after three minutes but it was ruled offside. A fairly decent, gritty display from the midfielder, offering tenacity in the middle of the park, and some glimpses of quality on the ball going forward.
James McClean – 6
James McClean was poor against Wigan, and while he was slightly better here, it was another disappointing display from the skipper. Came alive more as the game went on, driving forward with purpose.
Ollie Palmer – 5
Aside from his pass early on from an offside position, Palmer was practically invisible. He can hardly expect to start the next game now, with Steven Fletcher looking far more dangerous as Wrexham’s target man.
Paul Mullin – 7
Equally as absent as his attacking partner in the first half, but sparked into action when Fletcher came on. Put his body on the line, registered the assist for Cleworth, and looked more like the Paul Mullin of old by running in behind the defenders and causing problems.
Substitutes couldn’t win it for Wrexham this time
Phil Parkinson wasted no time in changing things, with a substitution made at half-time. But, with players like Elliot Lee out injured, there was far less for the Wrexham manager to do to mix things up from the bench.
Steven Fletcher – 7
On at half-time for Ollie Palmer. Unlucky not to grab a goal from a corner within five minutes of the restart. Showed his class throughout the second half, offering composure and intelligence on the ball.
Andy Cannon – 6
Replaced George Dobson with 20 minutes to go. Can’t fault his work rate, but driving runs rarely led to anything meaningful.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson – N/A
On for O’Connell with only injury time to go. Hardly enough time to make an impact. Worked hard in the press, though.