Wrexham faced a crucial fixture in their quest for promotion as they took on Phil Parkinson’s former side Bolton.
Wrexham knew that three points at the Racecourse Ground were pivotal as they continue to chase down Wycombe in the battle for League One promotion.
Parkinson made one change from the side that beat Mansfield 2-1 in the previous league encounter as Matty James came in for the injured Andy Cannon. There will still no place in the matchday squad for Paul Mullin.
There were few chances in a scrappy first half with the best chance of the game falling to Sam Smith who should have scored with his head after a superb Ryan Longman cross.
Thomas O’Connor missed a glorious opportunity from six yards out at the start of the second half and despite having the better of the play, the Red Dragons just couldn’t find the all important winner.
Wrexham player ratings vs Bolton Wanderers
Wrexham will be pleased with their improvement in the second half but just couldn’t make the break through, here’s how the players rated in their League One clash.
Arthur Okonkwo- 6
Didn’t have a shot to save all game until the final minute when he produced an excellent tip round the post to keep the game level. Did begin the game with some shaky moments in communication, especially with O’Connell and O’Connor.
Max Cleworth- 7
Had an excellent battle with the dangerous McAtee all game and came out on top with some strong defending both on the ground and in the air.
Eoghan O’Connell- 6
As usual was dominant in the air however, had a few shaky moments in the first half including giving away a foul in a dangerous position and slipping to allow Bolton’s Jordi Osei-Tutu to get a decent shot away.
Couldn’t sort his feet out in the second half as he had a good opportunity from a Rathbone set piece delivery.
Thomas O’Connor- 6
Defensively sound but missed the best chance of the afternoon as Longman’s header back across goal fell to him unmarked from six yards out but O’Connor blazed over the bar.
Ryan Longman- 9
A real threat down the right hand side with his pace and trickery, Longman was direct with his play and produced some excellent crosses for the forward pair. Smith should have scored from one delicious cross in particular in the first half.
Sebastian Revan- 8
Worked hard up and down the left flank and produced good quality in the final third with a few teasing crosses. Revan also looked a real goal threat coming in off the wing.
Matty James- 4
Worked hard in the middle of the pitch but struggle to make any impact on the game in possession. James brings experience to the midfield and his work ethic cannot be questioned however, he also takes away a lot of vibrancy and creativity.
George Dobson- 6
A typical busy performance in the middle of the park from Dobson, won a lot of second balls and was impressive with his range of passing.
Ollie Rathbone- 8
Fortunate to not give away a penalty in the first half for a challenge on Josh Sheehan but won a lot duels in the midfield area with his usual tenacious approach.
Positioning was very intelligent in the second half as a number of loose balls on the edge of the box led to chances for Rathbone but he couldn’t find the back of the net.
Sam Smith- 6
Should have scored in the first half with a header from an excellent Longman cross but worked tirelessly up top and his movement provides a constant worry for opposition defences.
Jay Rodriguez- 7
Showed his class in the first half with intelligent movement and won a lot of knock downs for his team mates. Was unlucky with a snap shot after some excellent control on the edge of the area.
Substitutes
Ryan Barnett- 5
Replaced the impressive Longman with 15 minutes to go but failed to make the same impact as Longman down the right.
Steven Fletcher- 5
Came on with just over ten minutes remaining and linked up play well to produce a chance for Marriott but he couldn’t convert his header.
Jack Marriott- 5
Introduced up top with just over ten minutes left on the clock and had a chance from a fizzing Rathbone cross but couldn’t convert. Also got in behind late on but dragged his shot wide.
Elliot Lee- N/A
Came on with minutes remaining to replace the excellent Rathbone.