Wrexham took on Sydney FC in their second game of the pre-season tour to Australia.
Phil Parkinson gave Danny Ward a first start in goal following his return to the club and excited fans by pairing Ollie Palmer and Harry Ashfield up top together.
There was still no room in the squad for Sam Smith as he is yet to make an appearance on the tour, whilst Ryan Hardie missed out too after a clash of heads in Melbourne.
Wrexham took the lead in the first half when James McClean whipped an excellent free kick across the penalty area, which was turned into his own net by Corey Hollman.
Sydney equalised on the stroke of half time after Ward made a brilliant save from a free header before the rebound was smashed home by Alexandar Popovic.
Parkinson made ten changes on the hour mark and soon saw his team fall behind with a fine finish from Joseph Lacey.
The Red Dragons will be frustrated with their first defeat of pre-season but even more annoyed by their lacklustre performance.
Wrexham player ratings vs Sydney FC
Wrexham will be disappointed with the result and their performance as a lack of tempo cost them the game. Here’s how the Wrexham players rated in their clash with Sydney FC.
Danny Ward – 6
Made an outstanding save from a header but will be furious at his defence for allowing a free header from a corner and then not reacting to the rebound.
Aaron James – 7
Made a vital clearance in the opening exchanges to stop Sydney scoring at the back post, another solid display from the youngster.
Eoghan O’Connell – 7
Strong in the tackle and carried the ball out from defence on a number of occasions, looked to get his team going with passes through the lines from the back.
Lewis Brunt – 6
Lucky not to give a penalty away on the stroke of half time after the ball appeared to strike his arm following a shot on goal.
Ryan Barnett – 5
Had the beating of his full back but lacked quality and care with his final ball on a number of occasions – very unlike Ryan Barnett.
James McClean – 8
Wrexham’s best player on the night. Excellent delivery to cause confusion for the first goal but his energy and fitness looked a cut above the rest of the pitch.
George Evans – 6
Looked assured in front of the back four and spread the play well when given the time on the ball.
George Dobson – 6
Lots of Wrexham’s play in the first half went through Dobson and his excellent range of passing was on full display.
Ollie Rathbone – 6
Often drifted out to the left hand side and combined well with his skipper. Full of energy and endeavour as always but worryingly looked in a great deal of pain before the half time whistle following a collision.
Harry Ashfield – 6
Like the encounter against Melbourne, dropped deep and looked to get involved in the build up. Showed a number of quality touches and passes.
Ollie Palmer – 5
Struggled to make as much of an impact as he did against Melbourne, couldn’t fault his work rate.
Substitutes-
Callum Burton – 4
Will be disappointed to allow Sydney’s second goal to squeeze past him, not quick enough with his footwork to get across to make the save.
Ryan Longman – 6
Produced an outstanding cross within minutes of coming on that should have been buried by teammate Marriott.
Max Cleworth – 6
Had a comfortable half hour on the pitch, solid in his defensive work and used the ball well.
Dan Scarr – 6
Had a few nervy moments involving his goalkeeper but took command of the situations to show his experience.
Thomas O’Connor – 5
Used the ball well with Mendy down the left flank, comfortable with his defensive work.
Jacob Mendy – 5
Provided Wrexham with an outlet on the left but struggled to find any telling crosses.
Matty James – 5
Sat in front of the back four and gave Wrexham a base to build their attacks from.
Elliot Lee – 5
Showed a lot of energy in the middle of the park pressing from the front but couldn’t create any clear-cut opportunities.
Sebastian Revan – 5
Came on for the injured Rathbone just before half time playing in an unfamiliar central role. Produced a real mixed bag with his distribution.
Jack Marriott – 5
Should have scored from six yards after Ryan Longman’s wonderful cross, saw his effort hit straight at the keeper.
Jay Rodriguez – 5
Unlucky not to score with a header minutes after coming on.