Wrexham were left frustrated on Saturday afternoon as a late equaliser handed Bristol Rovers a 1-1 draw at the Memorial Stadium.
Phil Parkinson and co hit the road for the final time in 2024, travelling down to take on Bristol Rovers on Saturday afternoon.
Wrexham have been brilliant at home under Parkinson but away form has been a little patchy.
This looked like a potential banana skin as Bristol Rovers sacked manager Matt Taylor just days before the game.
That may have impacted Parkinson’s preparations but Wrexham took the lead as Elliot Lee brilliantly slotted home a sumptuous Matty James pass.
Bristol Rovers found a late leveller though as Ryan Barnett couldn’t deal with a cross and Promise Omochere ended up heading home late on.
Bristol Rovers interim boss on Wrexham
Wrexham will feel gutted, especially having conceded late on against Cambridge United last weekend too.
That is four points dropped from winning positions in the last two games and Parkinson cannot be happy with that.
This result means Wrexham have won just three of 10 away league games this season compared to nine wins from 11 games at home.
Parkinson will be tearing his hair out after another late sucker punch with Wrexham just unable to put the game away.
The January transfer window may help with Parkinson admitting that Wrexham are eyeing signings next month.
Bristol Rovers interim boss David Horseman has now commented on Wrexham’s current squad and the spending under Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds.
Speaking to The Mirror, Horseman suggested that Wrexham have ‘spent a fortune’ on Parkinson’s squad.
Horseman did note that Wrexham have spent the money ‘really well’ and believes that Bristol Rovers grabbing a point was ‘really good’.
“We needed something out of the game today,” said Horseman. “At least a point, ideally three, and a performance to put some trust and faith back into the group. We need to create more chances, it’s clear to see, but we also need to show that fight and passion for the badge. In patches I thought we did both today.
“They’re obviously a very good team and have spent a fortune and spent it really well, so to come away with a point today is really good,” he added.
Wrexham must hit back at home
Wrexham may well spend even more money during the January window.
Another striker is on Wrexham’s wish list with McElhenney and Reynolds potentially ready to spend again.
Before the window even opens though, Wrexham must hit back after this latest blow.
With no disrespect towards Cambridge or Bristol Rovers, these two games were winnable.
Cambridge sit 22nd in League One and Bristol Rovers are just five points ahead of them in 19th.
If Wrexham are to win promotion this season, these are the games that must be won and to drop points so late in the day on both occasions just makes it all even more frustrating.
Wrexham now have two home games against Blackpool and Wigan Athletic before the start of 2025 and Parkinson will be looking to lean on that home form to hit back.