Wrexham secured three points on Saturday afternoon as Ollie Rathbone found the net in a 2-0 win at Northampton Town.
Wrexham were back on the road on Saturday afternoon after beating Bolton Wanderers at the STōK Cae Ras in an FEL Trophy clash.
Northampton Town were the opponents and, just as in October’s 4-1 win, Wrexham had too much for the Cobblers.
January signing Sam Smith bagged his first Wrexham goal, slotting home from Mark Howard’s long ball forward.
Ollie Rathbone added number two and that was enough for Wrexham to claim all three points in a 2-0 victory.
Wrexham closed the gap to Wycombe Wanderers to just two points with that win as the race for promotion continues.
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Ollie Rathbone on big improvement at Wrexham
Smith has earned praise from Phil Parkinson having opened his Wrexham account following his January move from Reading.
Rathbone deserves just as much adulation though having made a huge impact once again.
The 28-year-old burst into the box with his trademark energy and had the quality to find the net.
James McClean has raved about Rathbone, marvelling at just how Wrexham were able to sign him.
Rotherham United’s loss has certainly been Wrexham’s gain with Rathbone in prolific form this season.
Saturday’s goal was Rathbone’s fourth of the season in 25 League One outings, all whilst adding three assists.
Rathbone managed just eight goals in 138 games for Rotherham and never scored more than four league goals in a campaign for the Millers.
Rathbone has now matched that tally with three months of the season still to go, so he will be looking to reach new heights for goalscoring.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Rathbone noted that he has really been keen to add more goals to his game this season.
Rathbone always felt that he had goalscoring qualities in his locker but has really unlocked them at Wrexham.
Confidence is a real factor for Rathbone and with other Wrexham midfielders chipping in, he wants to make sure he is following suit.
“It was something I really wanted to add to my game,” said Rathbone.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to improve because I knew I had it in me. I’ve probably just put more emphasis on it and I’ve really tried working on it in training so my confidence is up.
“I think the competition for places makes it hugely important – all the other midfielders are chipping in with goals so it’s important I keep doing that.
“I’m really glad to be contributing goals and assists and helping the team ultimately,” he added.
Rathbone importance even higher with Elliot Lee out
Rathbone’s goal on Saturday was so crucial, not just because it handed Wrexham the win, but also because Elliot Lee was ruled out.
Lee was recently in an accident and it’s unclear just when he will return to action.
The impetus will now be on Rathbone to really make that attacking impact in the absence of Lee, Wrexham’s top attacking midfielder.
George Dobson has only ever scored eight league goals in his career and never more than two in a single season.
It’s a similar story with Matty James, who has never scored more than three goals in a single league season.
Rathbone’s ‘significant’ move to Wrexham is paying off and his increase in goal threat could be coming at just the right time for Phil Parkinson.