Wrexham and Shrewsbury Town faced off in a League One meeting at New Meadow on Thursday evening.
Phil Parkinson’s side had plenty of time to prepare for the clash after their EFL Trophy meeting with Port Vale was postponed and Reading’s FA Cup commitments gave them a weekend off.
Wrexham went into the game with a very sketchy away record in 2024/25 but still likely confident of securing a win.
Shrewsbury Town were 22nd in League One with just 17 points to their name prior to kick-off.
The Red Dragons, on the other hand, were third in the division and could, temporarily at least, go top of the table with a win on January 16th.
However, the home side took a surprising lead in the 16th minute when Eoghan O’Connell made a poor pass and then slipped over to allow Shrewsbury to get through on goal.
Their lead didn’t last long though, with Steven Fletcher once again stepping up in the 22nd minute to head home from a Ryan Barnett cross.
Just as things were looking up for Wrexham, however, O’Connell gave away a penalty in the 47th minute, which led to Shrewsbury going back in front.
The Red Dragons pressed hard to find an equaliser and had four strikers on the pitch at one point but they missed several chances and ended up losing 2-1 – a crushing blow to their automatic promotion hopes.
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Here’s how the Wrexham players rated vs Shrewsbury –
Arthur Okonkwo – 5
Not at his best for Shrewsbury’s opener. Some questionable distribution on the night as well. Saved the penalty but was unable to get to the rebound.
Max Cleworth – 6
Played out from the back well and was ok defensively, though he perhaps could have gotten over quicker to cover for O’Conell’s fall.
Eoghan O’Connell – 1
His poor pass and subsequent slip gifted Shrewsbury Town the opener after 16 minutes. He then gave away a penalty with a clumsy tackle.
Thomas O’Connor – 6
Excellent in the air and made some key tackles and interceptions. Another competent showing from the stopper in Lewis Brunt’s absence.
Ryan Barnett – 8
As has become so common this season, the right-back was a serious threat down his flank all night, including whipping a lovely ball straight onto Fletcher’s head to make it 1-1.
Matty James – 6
Dominated the midfield battle, winning the majority of his ground duels and linking defence and attack well.
Andy Cannon – 7
A lively showing from Cannon who controlled the tempo of the game with his quick passing and movement around the pitch.
Ollie Rathbone – 8
Missed a massive chance to put Wrexham 2-1 up right before the break, guiding his header wide. Worked very hard all night though and played a key role in Fletcher’s equaliser.
James McClean – 6
Not his best showing in a Wrexham shirt but was decent at both ends of the pitch.
Elliot Lee – 7
Provided some much-needed creativity to Wrexham’s attack that has been missing in recent weeks while Lee’s been injured. His ability to operate as a centre-forward remains questionable owing to his finishing but still a good outing.
Steven Fletcher – 8
Was given a rare chance from the off against Shrewsbury and more than took it, dominating the opposition backline and scoring a fantastic leaping header.
Substitutes
Paul Mullin – 5
Had a chance to make it 2-2 in the 78th minute but the ball was behind him when he shot, seeing the tame effort easily cleared.
Jack Marriott – 4
First appearance since breaking his leg in October, didn’t have much of an impact.
Modou Faal – N/A
Didn’t get brought on until injury time.