Wrexham were disappointing in their 2-2 draw with Cambridge and missed the opportunity to move clear in the League One promotion race.
Phil Parkinson praised Ryan Longman and Sam Smith for their parts in the equalising goal and George Dobson was excellent in midfield but in truth, Wrexham were fortunate to escape with a point.
Fans were furious with the officials following a disallowed goal in the last minute but Elliot Lee’s corner had gone out of play, denying them a chance to get away with a scrappy three points.
There were a number of below-par performances for Parkinson’s side as Lewis Brunt struggled defensively in giving away a penalty and Jay Rodriguez offered nothing going forward. The performance was simply not up to the mark and one player should be rotated out the side.
Phil Parkinson should drop James McClean for Burton clash
James McClean has been an excellent signing since arriving at the Racecourse Ground at the beginning of last season but after having played 39 games in all competitions already this season, his legs are now showing fatigue.
As per Sofascore, McClean lost possession 16 times in the draw against Cambridge and out of eight attempted crosses, he was only successful in finding a team mate once.
| Cambridge v Wrexham match statistics | McClean |
| Minutes played | 77 |
| Pass completion | 73% |
| Accurate crosses | 1/8 |
| Accurate long balls | 0/2 |
| Possession lost | 16 |
There were many occasions when McClean found himself in space on the left and either his delivery was poor or he didn’t have the pace or energy to beat his full back and get his cross in.
There is no doubting the leadership and experience that he brings to the side but he is limiting Wrexham in both an attacking and defensive sense in the left wing back role and needs to be rotated against Burton.
Ryan Barnett should replace McClean in Wrexham team
After a sensational campaign on the whole, Ryan Barnett can count himself extremely unfortunate to be out of favour in the current set up and should now replace McClean in the team.
Barnett has currently provided the joint most assists in League One alongside Peterborough duo Kwame Poko and Malik Mothersille.
Barnett replaced McClean in the second half against Cambridge and slotted in at right wing-back whilst Longman moved over to the left.
Longman’s ability to go both ways when up against the defender immediately gave the Cambridge defence a bigger concern and Parkinson should continue with that combination for the visit of Burton.