Wrexham successfully negotiated their way past a tricky Bolton Wanderers test to earn their place in the EFL Trophy semi final.
James McClean praised the performances of Andy Cannon and George Evans after the two combined for the only goal in the game to give Wrexham a 1-0 win.
Wrexham fans were impressed with Lewis Brunt as he marshalled a solid defensive performance and there was also a good display from goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo as he gets back to full fitness.
Jack Marriott disappointed in the EFL Trophy clash however, manager Phil Parkinson’s eyes would have lit up at one particular moment in the first half from one of his new signings.
Ryan Longman shows he has a long throw in his repertoire during Wrexham’s win over Bolton
Ryan Longman has made an impressive start to his career at the Racecourse Ground having already provided three assists, including a last minute winner for Elliot Lee in the League One victory over Crawley Town.
Most of Longman’s good work so far for the Red Dragons has come with his feet and his energetic style down the right hand side.
However, during the first half against Bolton, Longman sent a long throw sailing into the middle of the penalty area causing panic amongst the visitor’s defence.
Former club captain Ben Tozer famously used this tactic with incredible success during his spell at the club and Longman may have given Parkinson yet another attacking weapon moving forward.
Ben Tozer played a pivotal role in Wrexham’s rise through the football pyramid
Tozer joined Wrexham in August 2021 from Cheltenham Town and made an immediate impact at the club during their spell in the National League.
He played 131 times for the club and captained the side to back-to-back promotions during his time in North Wales. Ben Foster has revealed what a great leader Tozer was.
The defender was released by the club last summer and Tozer has since proved Wrexham owners wrong at Forest Green by guiding them to second place with some outstanding displays.
If Longman can have half the impact that Tozer did on Wrexham, he will be in for a fine career in North Wales as the former skipper will always be remembered with greatness amongst the Wrexham fans.