Wrexham travelled to Deepdale to take on Preston North End in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
After his late heroics in the first round, there was no place for Ollie Palmer in Wrexham’s squad for the clash as Phil Parkinson made eleven changes from the 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday.
There was a debut for new signing Callum Doyle, however, the defender could do nothing to prevent his new side falling behind early on as Lewis Dobbin produced a fine finish to put Preston in front.
Some nice play down the left flank saw Wrexham equalise soon after as Ryan Hardie produced a magical finish into the top right hand corner.
Some sloppy defending allowed Liam Lindsay to head Preston back in front from a corner just after the half hour mark.
A much more positive display in the second half saw Harry Ashfield’s deflected strike make its way into the bottom corner to draw Wrexham level once again.
There was late drama as a long ball into the box fell to Kieffer Moore who tapped into an empty net after a challenge with the Preston goalkeeper. Wrexham into round three.
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Wrexham player ratings vs Preston North End
Wrexham improved from a woeful first half performance to, here are the Wrexham player ratings vs Preston North End
Arthur Okonkwo – 6
Nothing he could do about the Preston goals but made a string of fine saves to keep the score respectable and was decisive in his decision-making. Surely has a strong case to reclaim the number one spot from Danny Ward.
Eoghan O’Connell – 4
Not the performance O’Connell would have been hoping for to get back into Parkinson’s plans. Defender looked sluggish and was beaten to the ball far too easily for the second goal.
Dan Scarr – 4
Was part of a Wrexham defence that was cut open at will. Couldn’t cope with the movement and power of Daniel Jebbison and Lewis Dobbin.
Callum Doyle – 5
Not the debut that Doyle would have been hoping for. Looked nervy in possession and second to every duel, needs game time to get up to full match fitness.
Ryan Barnett – 6
A solid performance from Barnett down the right flank, full of energy as usual and produced some dangerous crosses into the box, one of which eventually sent Wrexham through.
Jacob Mendy – 5
No faulting the effort that Mendy put into the game, constantly up and down the left flank but lacked quality on the ball.
George Evans – 5
Could not get near Alfie Devine who absolutely ran the game for Preston. Chasing shadows and didn’t impact the game at all when on the ball.
Elliot Lee – 5
Couldn’t get close to Preston’s midfield and spent much of the game chasing the ball. Couldn’t control possession as he likes to.
Harry Ashfield – 7
Struggled to find his feet against a quality midfield in the first half, however, showed real character to drive his team to a much improved display in the second period. Lovely moment for his equaliser.
Sam Smith – 6
Held the ball up well and was his usual energetic self. Suffered from a real lack of quality service into him and spent most of the game helping his defence.
Ryan Hardie – 8
Outstanding finish to get his first competitive goal for the club and was a nuisance all game with his press from the front and runs in behind the defence.
Substitutes-
Lewis Brunt – 6
Came on for Doyle with half an hour to go and helped solidify a rocking Wrexham defence.
George Dobson – 7
Steadied the ship in the middle of the park after replacing Evans. Once again showed his ever-improving range of passing and helped Wrexham control the tempo in the final parts of the game.
Ryan Longman – 5
Always an outlet on the left flank but Wrexham will be disappointed they didn’t get better service into him as he had the beating of the full back.
Lewis O’Brien – 5
Replaced Ashfield with just over ten minutes to go and looked busy in the middle of the park.
Kieffer Moore – 7
Came on for Smith with ten minutes remaining and continued where he left off from opening his account Sheffield Wednesday by scoring the winning goal.