Wrexham beat Barnsley on Tuesday night as Ollie Rathbone struck a stunning late winner – but it wasn’t all good news for Phil Parkinson.
Wrexham had the weekend off having been dumped out of the FA Cup in the first round, but returned to league action on Tuesday night.
Barnsley visited the STōK Cae Ras having gone all the way to penalties against Bristol Rovers, a rather gruelling preparation for the trip to Wrexham.
The Tykes were more than a match for Wrexham though and this game looked destined to end in a 0-0 draw as neither side could find the killer moment.
Wrexham found the crucial goal though as Ollie Rathbone drove forward in injury time and fired home a fine strike to win the game.
Rob McElhenney and Danny DeVito celebrated together in Los Angeles as Wrexham made it three wins in a row, all at home.
Wrexham suffer double blow
Wrexham saw League One leaders Wycombe Wanderers drop points too as they drew 2-2 at Exeter City on Tuesday night.
The gap at the top is just two points and whilst Wrexham have played more than both Wycombe and Birmingham City, Phil Parkinson will love points on the board.
Tuesday’s win wasn’t perfect though as Wrexham goalkeeper Callum Burton picked up a worrying injury and could miss a number of games.
There are a couple of suspension issues too as both George Dobson and James McClean picked up yellow cards.
The pair have been walking a tightrope of late and picked up their fifth bookings of the season, meaning they will now miss the trip to Burton Albion this weekend.
That is an enormous double blow for Wrexham with captain McClean a crucial part of the squad.
Parkinson has praised McClean’s ‘infectious’ attitude at Wrexham but he will now miss Saturday’s clash with the Brewers.
Dobson has started every League One game this season but will be forced to miss out this weekend, leaving Parkinson with a real headache.
Replacements for George Dobson and James McClean
The one positive for Wrexham is that Parkinson does have a couple of options at left wing back.
Summer signing Sebastian Revan made an exciting start to the season and could come into the side.
Revan struggled against Harrogate Town in the FA Cup but hit back with a strong performance against Port Vale.
Parkinson branded Revan ‘a real threat’ in that game and could look his way to replace McClean.
Jacob Mendy is another option though and the added experience he provides may just see him get the nod.
Dobson’s absence means Andy Cannon may come into midfield as a straight swap, joining Matty James and Ollie Rathbone in midfield.
Parkinson may even be tempted to change his system having recently played a 3-5-1-1 setup.
Dobson’s suspension could see Parkinson move back to 3-5-2, dropping Elliot Lee back into midfield and bringing in a striker such as Paul Mullin up top.