The Red Dragons were back at the Racecourse tonight with Leyton Orient the visitors, and we watched the action closely to deliver the Wrexham player ratings from the 2-1 defeat.
Wrexham went into the game on the back of a four-game winning streak in all competitions, and were looking to leapfrog Wycombe Wanderers into second place in the League One table.
Things went to plan early on with Phil Parkinson’s men having the bulk of possession, before a well-worked corner routine led to yet another Ollie Rathbone goal.
However, 15 minutes later, Orient were level thanks to hard work from skipper Darren Pratley and a fine finish from star striker Charlie Kelman.
After the interval, Wrexham were on the back foot once again, and Leyton Orient took the lead through one of their key danger men, Jamie Donley.
Try as they might, Wrexham simply couldn’t find a way back into the game. The Red Dragons created a few half-chances, and even had a one-man advantage in the final five minutes, but Orient held firm to secure a professional and very frustrating win from a Wrexham perspective.
Wrexham player ratings from 2-1 defeat vs Leyton Orient
A strong start from Wrexham made way for a sub-par showing all round after Leyton Orient’s equaliser, with the Red Dragons second-best for much of the game. While some players gave a good account of themselves, others really let Parkinson down.
Mark Howard – 7
Some good work early on to pick up loose balls in the box. Faultless for the two goals. Showed solid command of his area throughout, especially from set-pieces.
Max Cleworth – 6
Not quite as strong a showing as we’ve seen from the youngster of late. Didn’t do much wrong, per se, but Orient certainly had some luck down his side.
Eoghan O’Connell – 7
Perhaps could have got a little tighter to his man for Orient’s opener, but after that, showed marked signs of improvement, dealing with some really difficult situations effectively. Sacrificed late on as Parkinson threw Jack Marriott on in search of a leveller.
Lewis Brunt – 3
Not sure what he was doing for Orient’s first goal, completely missing his attempted clearance. Really poor passing throughout, too. Looked way off the pace and misjudged the ball multiple times. Salvaged some credit with a goal line clearance late on, though it wasn’t the most difficult of shots to save.
Ryan Barnett – 7
Tried his best to create something down that right-hand side all night but wasn’t quite able to deliver the killer ball. As always, put in a great shift to track up and down the flank.
- READ MORE: 28 goals in 47 games, it’s so clear Wrexham wonderkid will be Phil Parkinson’s next Paul Mullin
George Dobson – 4
Seemed lost in the middle of the park and couldn’t make any kind of impact. Also looked completely oblivious to the danger in the box for Orient’s first goal, should have pressed Kelman but instead just watched him turn and shoot. Hooked off early in the second half.
Matty James – 5
A fairly anonymous showing from the midfielder, who continues to be rather inconsistent. Surely, we should expect better from a player of his quality and experience?
Ollie Rathbone – 8
Proved once again that he is a real threat for Wrexham, as his incredible development continues. Great finish at the back post, but also got stuck in and worked tirelessly to drag Wrexham up the pitch time and time again.
James McClean – 7
Sent in a wonderful corner ball to provide the opener for Rathbone. A hard-working display from the skipper who was up and down the wing all night. Replaced with 15 minutes to go.
Sam Smith – 6
We wanted more from the Wrexham record signing, who made some decent moves, but barely had a proper sniff at goal. Has to get himself in the mix more and assert his quality on the game.
Jay Rodriguez – 6
Showed some neat touches and good interplay with Sam Smith, but didn’t pose any kind of a threat really. Replaced after 65 minutes.
Substitutes came early for Phil Parkinson
Parkinson wasted no time changing things up in the second half, putting the strength of depth in the Wrexham squad to use on the 65-minute mark. Sadly, none of the subs had enough of an influence on the game to turn things around, though.
Steven Fletcher – 7
On for Jay Rodriguez with 35 minutes to go. Worked his socks off in and around the box to try and forge an opportunity for himself and his strike partner.
Andy Cannon – 7
On for Dobson after 65 minutes. Came on with intent and passion and put in the hard yards to bring some bite to the Wrexham midfield.
Ryan Longman – 6
Replaced James McClean with 15 minutes to go. Didn’t have enough of an impact down the left at all.
Jack Marriott – 6
Came on late and caused some problems for Orient, including getting their captain sent off. Not much more time to do anything else of note.