Wrexham welcomed Rotherham United to the Racecourse Ground in search of three vital points in the promotion race.
Phil Parkinson made one change to the side that beat Huddersfield Town 1-0 as Elliot Lee replaced the injured George Dobson, whilst there was still no place in the squad for Paul Mullin or Ollie Palmer.
Wrexham had the better of a goalless first half as Sam Smith and Matty James both tested the Rotherham keeper. Arthur Okonkwo made a fantastic stop on a rare break away from the visitors as he spread himself to prevent a header from six yards out.
The breakthrough for the Red Dragons came just after half time as Jay Rodriguez flicked on a long goal kick for Smith to calmly slot the ball home. His first goal at the Racecourse Ground.
Despite some late pressure from the away side, Wrexham stood firm and kept chances to a minimum in securing a crucial three points.
READ MORE: Steve Evans compares Wrexham to the ‘Real Madrid’ of League One, gives verdict on Phil Parkinson
Wrexham player ratings vs Rotherham United
Wrexham secured a vital win in their hunt for League One promotion, here’s how the Wrexham players rated in their clash with Rotherham United.
Arthur Okonkwo- 8
Showing signs of getting back to his very best, made an outstanding save in the first half from a header just six yards out from goal.
His long goal kick was the beginning of Wrexham’s opener as Rodriguez flicked on for Smith to roll the ball in the back of the net before making another brilliant block from a corner.
Max Cleworth- 6
As ever, strong in his defensive play and seems to be striking an excellent understanding with Longman as they combined a number of times to get Cleworth threatening in forward areas.
Eoghan O’Connell- 9
Another tremendous display from the Wrexham captain in the absence of James McClean. O’Connell was dominant in every aspect of his game and really imposed himself amid an aerial bombardment from the visitors.
Thomas O’Connor- 8
His fine form continues for Wrexham as he made several towering headers and important interceptions throughout the game. His consistency is a real bonus for Parkinson in this testing period of the season.
Ryan Longman- 6
His pace and direct running caused the Rotherham left back James all sorts of problems, showed great composure to set up Smith for a huge chance in the first half. Very quiet second half.
Sebastian Revan- 7
Had a real lively first half in attack, was played through by Smith and should have done better with an effort from the edge of the box before producing a brilliant cross that was just beyond the reach of Smith.
Matty James- 7
Solid game in the middle of the park, broke up play well and almost opened the scoring with a thunderous strike just before half time after anticipating the ball on the edge of the box.
Ollie Rathbone- 7
Looked fired up against his old side and was really aggressive with his pressing. Busy on the ball as usual and was always the player that Wrexham looked to in order to make something happen.
Went off injured with twenty minutes to go with a suspected muscular injury in what would be a huge blow for his side.
Elliot Lee- 4
Looked off the pace in the first half, panicked on the ball at times and could have been sharper in the press. Fans grew frustrated with Lee’s indecisiveness on the ball as the game grew on.
Jay Rodriguez- 7
Some nice touches in the first half, especially bringing Rathbone into the game when dropping deep. Then produced his first real big moment in a Wrexham shirt as his flick on set up Smith for the opener.
Sam Smith- 9
Much more involved in the game during the first half, was a nuisance for the Rotherham defence and started to show signs of linking up with Revan. Should have scored after shooting straight at Rotherham keeper.
Finally got the goal his general play deserved early in the second half as he was alert to his strike partner’s flick on and he showed outstanding composure to finish past the keeper with his left foot. Outstanding display.
Substitutes
James McClean- 6
Came on in the centre of midfield for Elliot Lee with around 25 minutes remaining and looked assured in the role. Could be used there in the coming weeks depending on the extent of Rathbone’s injury.
Steven Fletcher- 6
Replaced Rodriguez just after the hour mark and made several important defensive headers in his own area from set plays.
George Evans- 5
Came on for the injured Rathbone with twenty minutes remaining and worked hard in order to preserve Wrexham’s lead.
Jack Marriott – N/A
Replaced the goal scorer Smith with five minutes remaining to help see out the win.