Wrexham travelled to promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers in their biggest game of the season so far at Adams Park.
Phil Parkinson made three changes from the 2-0 defeat against Reading as George Dobson and Ryan Longman returned to the starting eleven whilst there was also a start for defender Lewis Brunt.
A frantic first half ended level as the high energy and intensity levels were not matched by the quality of football from both sides.
Sam Smith was unfortunate not to grab the opening goal just before the hour as he hit the post on the stretch following a dreadful header in the Wycombe defence.
There was a 47 minute delay to the game as a fan was taken ill in the stands but the match eventually restarted and Steven Fletcher’s header fell to Smith to brilliantly volley home into the far corner.
A huge three points for Wrexham who move into second place and three points clear of their promotion rivals Wycombe but they do have a game in hand.
Wrexham player ratings vs Wycombe Wanderers
Wrexham produced a fantastic second half performance to claim a vital three points, here’s how the Wrexham players rated in their League One clash with Wycombe Wanderers.
Arthur Okonkwo- 7
Looked assured with his handling early on but was relatively untroubled for the majority of the afternoon until after the restart where he made a wonderful save to keep Wrexham ahead in the game.
Max Cleworth- 9
Superb performance up against a quick opponent in Wycombe’s Fred Onyedinma, Cleworth was decisive in his defending and on the front foot at all times.
Eoghan O’Connell- 7
Struggled early on in some aerial duels which is unlike O’Connell but regained his composure to provide assurance and solidity at the heart of the Wrexham defence.
Lewis Brunt- 8
Solid return to the side for Brunt as he dealt with the experience of Garath McCleary really well. Looked uneasy on the ball at times playing on the left hand side of the back three but made some crucial blocks and interceptions.
Ryan Longman- 6
Worked hard up and down the right flank and was the only real source of quality service into Smith during the game with a couple of dangerous crosses and long passes.
James McClean- 5
Showed good discipline in defensive duties by helping out Brunt with the attacking threat of Wycombe’s right flank but was unusually poor in possession, the skipper fluffed a number of crosses in good positions.
Matty James- 7
Showed his experience sitting in front of the back three and broke up play on countless occasions. James made a host of blocks and tackles and was important in a scrappy encounter.
Ollie Rathbone- 6
Back to his usual self after a disappointing showing against Reading, Rathbone pressed from the front and displayed incredible energy throughout the game.
George Dobson- 5
Caught on the ball a few times early on as he struggled to get up to speed with the frantic pace of the game upon return from injury. Made a crucial goal line clearance from the first corner after the restart.
Jay Rodriguez- 4
Non existent yet again in a Wrexham shirt. Had his one promising moment for the Red Dragons playing high up the pitch and flicking on for Smith against Rotherham but doesn’t seem to be learning as he continues to drop deeper and deeper.
Sam Smith- 9
Battled tirelessly against the Wycombe centre backs all afternoon and won numerous free kicks with some strong hold up play.
Very unlucky not to get the opening goal of the game as he gambled on a short header back to the goalkeeper and hit the post on the stretch.
Produced the sole moment of quality in the game as he struck a sweet volley on his left foot on the angle into the far corner, a stunning strike.
Substitutes-
Steven Fletcher- 7
Brought on for Rodriguez with 20 minutes remaining and provided the header to set up Smith’s wonderful volley.
Elliot Lee – 5
Replaced Rathbone with 15 minutes remaining and helped to secure a vital win for his side.
Thomas O’Connor- N/A
Came on for Smith with seconds remaining to see out the game.