Wrexham took back control of the automatic promotion race on Monday with a win against Blackpool, and one player has been singled out for praise for his role in the victory.
After the dismal draw with Bristol Rovers on Good Friday, Wrexham had been leapfrogged by Wycombe Wanderers and looked to be the underdogs in the automatic promotion race once more.
However, another wild swing of results, in which Wycombe were destroyed 4-0 at home to Charlton, saw Wrexham move ahead and now, with two games to go, it’s all in Phil Parkinson’s hands once more.
Goals from Ollie Rathbone and James McClean sealed the win against the Seasiders on Monday, but it was another midfielder who stepped up with a big performance on the day without getting enough credit for it.
Matty James rolled back the years vs Blackpool
The midfield battle was always going to be the decisive area against a strong Blackpool side in good form, but Wrexham won that fight and ultimately, the war at Bloomfield Road because of it.
While Rathbone will take the plaudits for his goal, it is actually his midfield partner, Matty James, who received praise from the experts at Fearless in Devotion for his role in the win.
Taking to Twitter/X after the game, the folks there heralded James as a gamechanger on the day, writing: Matty James threw it back to his formative years today. Absolutely pulled the strings.”
As per SofaScore data, the 33-year-old registered 51 touches across the 90 minutes, with an 82% pass success rate, two clearances, two interceptions, and one big tackle on the day.
He also managed one successful cross, and four successful long balls, proving his ability to affect the game from deeper areas.
Phil Parkinson got exactly what he needed from his midfield vs Blackpool
Parkinson needed a reaction from all his players against Blackpool and he got one, but most importantly, his midfielders really stepped up.
James was dogged and terrier-like while also being able to influence the game from a creative angle, while George Dobson also played a crucial role in the win alongside him.
There were a number of winners for Wrexham against Blackpool, with the likes of Dan Scarr also shining in defence, and McClean obviously coming up trumps in a hostile environment.
In truth, it was the kind of display we have come to expect from Wrexham when their backs are against the wall, and it could be a season-defining moment for the Red Dragons.
The whole squad has contributed across the campaign, and Parkinson is now calling on his troops for the final two games to give it everything they’ve got and make history.