The race for second place in League One is no longer in Wrexham’s hands after a frustrating Friday afternoon.
Wrexham sat one point ahead of Wycombe Wanderers heading into Friday’s game against Bristol Rovers.
The Pirates headed into the game with six straight defeats and a real fight against relegation, so this appeared to be a great opportunity for Wrexham to grab all three points.
Instead, Wrexham fell flat as Taylor Moore put Bristol Rovers in front with Phil Parkinson’s side really failing to click.
Matty James did pull Wrexham level, but there was to be no winner at the STōK Cae Ras.
To make matters worse, Wycombe won at Bolton Wanderers to move one point ahead of Wrexham and into second place.
Matty James comments on Wrexham promotion hopes
There is no way to look at Friday’s game other than being a huge missed opportunity for Wrexham.
Bristol Rovers were in dreadful form heading into the game, but Wrexham just couldn’t break them down.
Wycombe’s win really cemented the disappointment for Wrexham, but the mentality has to be that Wycombe could slip up in the coming weeks – just as Wrexham did on Friday.
Wycombe face fourth-placed Charlton Athletic on Monday and Wrexham will hope for a favourable result.
Midfielder James, who scored on Friday afternoon, has now offered some experience from his time at Leicester City.
James not only played but scored on the final day of the 2012-13 season with Leicester City, helping them reach the play-offs in dramatic fashion.
Speaking to The Athletic, James noted that there will be more twists and turns in the final three games, drawing on his experience at Leicester to keep the faith.
James called on Wrexham to ‘embrace this challenge’ as Parkinson’s side must now overhaul Wycombe to win automatic promotion.
“There are twists and turns to come,” said James.
“Things might turn again on Monday, but there will still be two games to play after that. I’ve been involved in promotions before where it went to the last kick of the game, away at Nottingham Forest for Leicester.
“People were talking about doing things at certain times and asking, ‘Can it (promotion) be done by this time?’. But football is a tough game and things don’t always go your way. We’re still in a great position and we have to embrace this challenge,” he added.
Charlton Athletic will have a big say on the promotion race
There are now just three games to go and the keys to promotion may rest with Charlton Athletic.
Whilst Wrexham face Blackpool, the Addicks battle Wycombe on Monday but then travel to take on Wrexham next weekend.
Two wins for Nathan Jones could catapult Charlton into contention for second place, although it’s still a big ask.
Wrexham will be looking for a favour from Charlton on Monday before then attempting to beat the Addicks next weekend.
The next week will be enormous and Wrexham must look to hit back after dropping points against Bristol Rovers, with experienced players like James crucial to keeping the hopes alive.