Wrexham headed into their clash with Leyton Orient full of confidence following their 2-0 victory over Northampton Town.
Wrexham started the game at the Racecourse Ground well and took an early lead with Ollie Rathbone converting from a James McClean corner.
However, Jay Rodriguez bemoaned the fine margins in the game and instead of taking several opportunities to extend their lead, Wrexham allowed Orient back in the game and ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.
Wrexham fans were furious with Phil Parkinson and believed his style of play cost them the game. Analysis from the victory over Northampton suggests Parkinson missed a major tactical error that cost his side against The O’s.
Sam Smith drifted from central striker position against Northampton Town
Wrexham struggled to create chances or look even remotely threatening in the second half against Leyton Orient despite having three forwards on the pitch at one point.
Sam Smith opened his account for the Red Dragons in the previous League One encounter at Northampton but his heat map showed that the striker liked to drift out towards the left hand side.
This trend continued in the game against Orient and with Rodriguez also floating into a number of different positions, it often left the central striker position empty with no target for defenders and midfielders to hit.
It has led to calls for the manager to change his style and for Parkinson to drop George Dobson in favour of a more attacking threat in midfield – a player who could fill the vacant central void with runs from deep.
Parkinson disappointed at Orient’s first goal in Wrexham defeat
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel after the game, the Red Dragons boss was disappointed with the manner of Orient’s equaliser that changed the complexion of the game.
Parkinson stated: “We give Kelman time in the box when we know he’s a fox in the box and it got them back in the game.”
The defeat leaves Wrexham five points adrift of Wycombe in the final automatic promotion spots and despite anger from the home fans, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have always backed Parkinson in the past.
That will no doubt continue this season however, Parkinson will need to ensure he finds a solution to the creative problems soon if he is to achieve a third successive promotion.