Wrexham returned to winning ways in League One on Saturday, beating Exeter City 3-0 at home.
After Wrexham’s 1-0 defeat to Stockport County, Phil Parkinson’s side flew out of the blocks at the Racecourse Ground and took the lead through Max Cleworth from a corner.
After Ollie Rathbone was denied a goal due to a foul from another set piece, a pinpoint Ryan Barnett cross found Ollie Palmer to head home the second goal.
Exeter came out quicker in the second half which forced Wrexham back for a while but Rathbone got his deserved goal with 20 minutes left to secure all three points.
Wrexham player ratings vs Exeter City
Callum Burton – 7
Certainly a quieter game for the shot-stopper after his impressive display in the Stockport defeat. He didn’t make a save in the first half but was solid in possession throughout.
He was called into action a few times in the second period but looked comfortable dealing with everything Exeter threw at them.
Max Cleworth – 8
Added to his impressive goalscoring tally this season with Wrexham’s opening goal of the game. Defensively, he dominated in the air against an experienced striker in Josh Magennis.
Eoghan O’Connell – 7
Similarly impressive against Magennis as Cleworth was, he never looked in trouble as Exeter pressured the Wrexham back line more in the second half.
Lewis Brunt – 6
Looked solid considering his lack of first-team football this season, forming a quiet, yet equally important partnership with his centre-back partners.
James McClean – 8
The experienced wingback was at his imperious best down the left side in the first half, putting in a succession of dangerous crosses as Wrexham penned Exeter back to take their two-goal lead.
After Lee was replaced, he took over corner duties to deliver a wicked ball for Rathbone’s goal.
Ryan Barnett – 7
Barnett signed a new contract at Wrexham in the build-up to the match and showed just how important he is to Parkinson’s side with his assist for Palmer.
Whilst his side were pinned further back in the second period, he provided an attacking outlet down the right side throughout.
Matty James – 6
He may not have been actively involved in the attacking play but James showed his experience by keeping the ball moving for his side. He was able to shield the back line well too in the second half.
George Dobson – 6
Dobson also impressed with his passing, playing a number of balls forward for Palmer and Lee to work with. The Wrexham midfield never looked overwhelmed and his passing was a key aspect of that.
Ollie Rathbone – 8
The most involved of the midfield three, Rathbone won plenty of tackles whilst also supporting Palmer and Lee further forward. He was also unlucky to not have a goal in the first half but managed to tap in from a second-half corner to add the third goal.
Elliot Lee – 8
Wrexham dominated the early stages by winning corners and Lee’s delivery was impeccable throughout. He assisted Cleworth’s goal and was heavily involved in the buildup to Palmer’s goal too.
His pressing game was also crucial to Wrexham’s flying start, providing the energy to support Palmer up front.
Ollie Palmer – 7
Palmer played the role of a target man to perfection and thoroughly deserved his goal in the first half. He was able to bring the ball under control numerous times in the second half too when Exeter began to press more.
Substitutes
Paul Mullin – 6
Supported Palmer well when he came on but didn’t manage to create a good opening to break his goalscoring duck. His only chance was a difficult volley which he blazed over the bar.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson – 5
Didn’t manage to impact the game as Exeter controlled possession after his introduction
Thomas O’Connor – 6
Provided extra security for the final ten minutes after replacing Rathbone in the midfield.
Sebastian Revan – 5
Only had one minute on the pitch in stoppage time