Wrexham couldn’t add another win to the tally on Saturday afternoon as Cambridge United snatched a 2-2 draw with a late penalty at the STōK Cae Ras.
Phil Parkinson’s home record at Wrexham is incredible and fans arrived at the STōK Cae Ras hoping for another victory.
Ryan Reynolds and Channing Tatum were in the stands to watch Wrexham but were not treated to a win.
James McClean’s header cancelled out an Elias Kachunga opener before Wrexham appeared to have found the winner.
Ollie Rathbone was hailed by Phil Parkinson as his tenacity allowed Steven Fletcher to fire Wrexham into a 2-1 lead.
Cambridge found a leveller late in the day though as Dan Nlundulu scored from the spot after Lewis Brunt brought down Sullay Kaikai.
James McClean hails Wrexham star
Wrexham were not in top form in this one and Cambridge proved to be a tough test.
Cambridge boss Garry Monk celebrated his side’s performance and Wrexham will now look to hit back against Bristol Rovers.
There were some bright spots for Wrexham and seeing the wing back connection for McClean’s goal was impressive.
Wrexham fans praised McClean as he arrived to head Ryan Barnett’s cross into the net to make it 1-1.
McClean spoke on Wrexham Match Day Live after the final whistle and moved to praise Barnett as he continues a strong season.
The Irishman noted that Barnett has been simply ‘top class’ this season and that anybody who has seen him play this season would agree.
McClean added that Barnett’s delivery is usually bang on the money – as we have seen on so many times this season.
McClean wants to make sure that he is attacking Barnett’s deliveries into the box, allowing for that wing back to wing back connection.
“I think that anyone with a good working pair of eyes would tell you that, this season, he’s been top class,” said McClean.
“Sometimes, all you have to do is get half a yard and the quality of his deliveries is, nine times out of 10, spot on. For me, it’s just working on timing my run and if I can do that, I’ve got a decent leap on me and I’ve got a desire to attack the ball so when that’s the case, it seems to be a decent enough recipe,” he added.
Ryan Barnett future a relief ahead of January
Christmas is right around the corner now and that means the January transfer window is coming into focus.
Wrexham are in a strong position in League One right now, sitting third in the table after Saturday’s draw with Cambridge.
Reports suggest that Wrexham want to sign another striker with Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds ready to fund the addition of a Championship goalscorer.
Fans will want exciting incomings but having the future of Barnett secured in advance of January will be a major relief.
Preston North End and Stoke City wanted Barnett earlier this season but Wrexham have locked him down to a new contract.
Unless somebody offers McElhenney and Reynolds an outrageous amount of money in January, Barnett is going nowhere – and that is just one less thing to worry about in January.