Wrexham suffered a real blow in the League One promotion race on Tuesday night, falling to a 2-0 defeat against Reading.
The League One season is heading towards its end now and Wrexham have plenty to play for at the top end of the table.
Wrexham sit third in the League One table and take on second-placed Wycombe Wanderers this weekend.
The two sides are level on points and Wycombe boss Mike Dodds feels ‘confident’ ahead of facing Wrexham.
Wrexham had a golden chance to open up a lead over the Chairboys though having faced Reading on Tuesday night.
This ended up being a torrid night though as Wrexham lost 2-0 to Reading and now really need a result this weekend.
Reading boss on facing Sam Smith
Tuesday’s game saw three Wrexham men return to Reading.
Boss Phil Parkinson was a Wrexham hero in his playing days whilst substitute George Evans previously played for the Royals.
Striker Sam Smith made his first return to Reading too having only left the club in the January window.
Wrexham signed Smith in January, striking a club-record deal to lure him over to the STōK Cae Ras.
As if tasting defeat wasn’t enough, Smith has been mocked by a former Reading teammate after a difficult night.
Reading boss Noel Hunt has now told the Reading Chronicle that he understands the emotions Smith was feeling as he returned to face the Royals.
Hunt admitted receiving an ‘unbelievable message’ from Smith as he completed his Wrexham transfer with the striker loving his time at Reading.
Hunt praised his Reading side for dealing with Smith and other Wrexham players, believing that his team nullified Wrexham’s crossing threat well.
“It’s tough,” said Hunt. “He has a lot of emotions coming back here. He loved this place. He sent me an unbelievable message at the time.
“It’s difficult, I’ve been in those shoes. I came here and played with Leeds; I hated it. I hated playing against this team in this stadium. Only the once I did it, thankfully, because I see it as home.
“It would’ve been difficult for him but it’s better the devil you know sometimes because I thought Ty, Wingy and Stickers dealt with it, not just Sam but they had quality with Fletcher coming on and Rodriguez. I thought we contained the cross, which was really important for us,” he added.
Wrexham must create more for Sam Smith
Wrexham haven’t particularly looked impressive going forward despite investing in Smith and Jay Rodriguez in January.
The chance creation tends to come from long balls or crosses – as seen with Smith’s two goals for Wrexham.
Smith’s goal at Northampton Town came from a long ball by goalkeeper Mark Howard whilst his winner against Rotherham United was a long ball flicked on by Rodriguez.
Smith is a hard worker and willing runner but Wrexham need to create higher-quality chances for the club-record signing.
A proven goalscorer at this level, Smith can find the net for Wrexham – but crosses and long ball can’t be the only way to supply him with opportunities.