Wrexham were dealt a blow to their promotion hopes with a 2-1 defeat at local Shrewsbury Town to continue their dismal away form this season.
Wrexham fell behind early on in the game. Eoghan O’Connell scored a 1/10 in the Wrexham player ratings as his mistakes led to both of the Shrewsbury goals.
The one bright spot in the game for Phil Parkinson was once again Ryan Barnett was a constant threat on the right hand side and his delicious cross allowed Steven Fletcher to briefly draw the visitors level.
It was a bitterly disappointing result for the Red Dragons and their fans but one former trialist and now pundit has been reminding fans of how far the club has come in recent years.
Ian Joy believes Wrexham is ‘alive and breathing once again’
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo’s match coverage of Shrewsbury Town v Wrexham, Ian Joy, a former Wrexham trialist in 2004 and now pundit, reminded Wrexham fans of the journey the club has been on and was full of praise for owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
Joy stated: “Wrexham is a real special place and they have done an amazing job getting to this level so far. The football club is alive and breathing once again, it needed a pulse, it needed a heartbeat and it needed the right individuals.”
Following his trial period at Wrexham, Joy went on to play in Germany for a number of sides and was optimistic for the future of Wrexham and has urged the owners to keep pursuing their ultimate goal of reaching the Premier League.
He stated: “You’ve got the see that vision of success, where you go from when you pick them up to eventually getting to the spotlight of the Premier League , that’s what they’ve got to go for.”
Phil Parkinson faces selection issues ahead of Birmingham clash
Following the defeat to Shrewsbury Town, Wrexham now face a must-win clash against League One leaders Birmingham City at the Racecourse Ground.
The manager now faces a selection dilemma across a number of areas of the pitch. Parkinson was unhappy with the defending for both of Shrewsbury’s goals and with O’Connell’s recent struggles, it has been suggested that Dan Scarr should return to the starting line up.
In attack, Parkinson began the last match with Fletcher and Elliot Lee up top but with fans delighted at the return of Jack Marriott, it seems the boss could be forced to think about his striking combination.
If Wrexham are to continue their charge towards the Championship, it is important they shake off the disappointment of derby defeat and re-group ahead of a huge clash against Birmingham City.