Wrexham fell to a 1-0 defeat to Stockport County on Saturday afternoon with Louie Barry’s fantastic strike making the difference.
Wrexham actually got off to a lively start in the opening stages as they really took the game to the hosts, who picked up two yellow cards within just six minutes as they struggled to cope.
However, Phil Parkinson’s side couldn’t seize upon their early pressure and not only allowed Stockport back into the game but let them completely dominate.
Pace from the flanks, intense pressing and quick-passing moves saw County hem Wrexham deep into their own half and they took a deserved lead through the superb Louie Barry’s sublime strike.
Only the dramatic saves of Callum Burton kept the score down at the break as Stockport controlled proceedings and continued to do so afterwards.
It wasn’t until a triple substitution from Parkinson did Wrexham get any footing in the game as they created a couple of chances but it wasn’t enough as Stockport earned a deserved win.
Here’s how the players rated.
Callum Burton – 8
There was nothing Burton could do with the rasping opening goal but he kept Wrexham in the game in his league debut for the club.
There were a few nervy moments, especially from corners, that looked worrying for the coming weeks without Arthur Okonkwo but Burton then made a fantastic double save and came out quickly to smother Ryan Rydel as he raced through on goal.
His saves continued in the second half, too, as he denied Barry, Kyle Wootton and Isaac Olaofe. Easily Wrexham’s best player.
Ryan Barnett – 4
His poor clearance led to Barry’s goal and he was caught out time and again by the pacey Rydel. Tried to get forward but didn’t have much impact until the final 15 when he got a bit of joy.
Max Cleworth – 6
Also struggled against Rydel and was often left exposed in two-on-one scenarios. Lucky not to give away a penalty when he left his foot in on Barry in the box but otherwise made some well-timed challenges.
Played well in the second half and brought some need impetus by pushing up the pitch and driving the team forward.
Dan Scarr – 5
Dan Scarr made a couple of important blocks and headed clearances but had a tough afternoon against a dynamic Stockport attack and the physical Wootton. Taken off on the hour mark.
Thomas O’Connor – 4
Got very, very lucky that when he gave the ball away on the touchline after failing to see it out of play the resulting shot was blocked by Scarr. Struggled at times and took a terrible free-kick in the final minutes to waste Wrexham’s last chance at making an opportunity.
James McClean – 5
Started well as he enthusiastically charged up and down the touchline but was unable to keep the high energy up and was wasteful on the ball. One under-hit diagonal when Wrexham had finally managed to get hold of possession was criminal.
Was a bit livelier after the break and created Wrexham’s best chance.
Andy Cannon – 5
Showed some nice footwork and interplay when on the ball but saw so little of it. Booked for an off-the-ball block on Pye and replaced by Rathbone.
George Dobson – 4
He made one crucial challenge early on as Barry nearly steamed through after a long goal kick but was quite sloppy on the ball, repeatedly losing possession and ensuring Stockport could maintain their pressure. Was unable to deal with the languid Barry but the whole midfield was outplayed.
Elliot Lee – 4
A really quiet game until he was presented with a free header but couldn’t find the target with Wrexham’s best – and pretty much only – chance of the game.
Ollie Palmer – 6
Linked well in the opening stages and looked sharp but cut an isolated figure when Wrexham were pinned back. Worked really hard with little reward.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson – 6
Announced his first league start for the club with an attempted overhead kick within 40 seconds and played brilliantly for the opening six minutes. The partnership with Palmer looks promising but there was not much he could do without the ball and was taken off on the hour.
Substitutes
Paul Mullin – 6
It was a big call from Parkinson to leave Paul Mullin out and it proved to be a mistake. Wrexham were immediately more dangerous with his movement and confident touch up front but he didn’t get any clear cut chances.
Oliver Rathbone – 6
Brought some much-needed urgency to the middle of the park.
Eoghan O’Connell – 6
Provided some better distribution from the back that allowed Wrexham to build better attacks and keep the ball.
Modou Faal – 5
Didn’t get a touch.
Matty James – 6
Tried to make things happen but nothing came off.