Wrexham were unable to rack up a fifth straight victory on Tuesday night, losing 2-1 to a rampant Leyton Orient side at the STōK Cae Ras.
Wrexham were looking to add another win to the tally as Leyton Orient arrived in town on Tuesday night.
Phil Parkinson’s side lost at home to Stevenage late in January but had responded in perfect fashion.
Four straight wins in all competitions had put Wrexham in a great place once again but Orient were always going to be a tough nut to crack.
Richie Wellens’ side have been in blistering form and rallied back from Ollie Rathbone’s opener to win the game 2-1.
Wrexham now sit five points behind second-placed Wycombe Wanderers in the League One promotion race.
Jay Rodriguez on Wrexham dressing room reaction
This was a major blow for Wrexham.
Momentum had been building again following that home defeat to Stevenage, which ended Wrexham’s unbeaten run at the STōK Cae Ras.
To then lose another home game and end that momentum is just crushing for Wrexham and the hopes of promotion to the Championship.
Wrexham fans have criticised Parkinson for Tuesday’s defeat but a number of players simply weren’t good enough either.
Wrexham must now get up and go again with Sunday’s trip to Mansfield Town representing a chance to get back on track.
January signing Jay Rodriguez has now commented on the defeat and the mood in the dressing room after losing to Leyton Orient.
Speaking on Wrexham’s official YouTube channel, Rodriguez admitted that the conversation between players immediately after defeat was to just turn in a better display against Mansfield.
“Definitely, that’s what we’re talking about in the changing room,” said Rodriguez when asked about bouncing back at Mansfield.
“It’s a great game to be a part of because you can put things right and it gives you that extra motivation to go and do that.
“It’s an opportunity and I always look at things as opportunities, football doesn’t always go your way, I’ve always found that, but it’s how you react and put things right, work hard and keep going,” he added.
Jay Rodriguez needs time to shine at Wrexham
Wrexham landed two new strikers in January with Sam Smith signing from Reading and Rodriguez arriving from Burnley.
Smith celebrated his first Wrexham goal against Northampton Town but Rodriguez is still waiting for his first goal.
Rodriguez wasn’t impressive against Leyton Orient and, in truth, has yet to really justify his move to the STōK Cae Ras.
The exclusion of Paul Mullin only increases the pressure on Rodriguez but it’s important to remember that it’s early days for him.
Rodriguez is still settling in at Wrexham and deserves time to find his best form with his new club.
Jack Marriott endured a slow start too and has ended up becoming prolific this season, so Wrexham will hope to see Rodriguez find his shooting boots soon enough.