Wrexham’s long unbeaten run at the Racecourse Ground came to a shuddering end with a 3-2 defeat at the hands of Stevenage.
Wrexham could not have endured a more punishing night in the League One promotion race, defeat to Stevenage was compounded by victories for Wycombe Wanderers and Birmingham City.
Phil Parkinson’s side are now six points adrift of the automatic places and fans are demanding new signings from the Wrexham owners.
Stevenage have the best away defence in the English Football League and Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee, chosen in attack by Parkinson, did not manage a single attempt on target in the first half.
The strike force was swiftly replaced at half time after failing to trouble the Stevenage defence at all, Parkinson now needs to consider his options before the next crucial clash at Crawley Town.
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Three striker combinations Phil Parkinson could use against Crawley
Wrexham now face four fixtures away from home and their away record this season has been far from convincing. With many fans calling for Lee to be moved back into midfield and a different forward partnership, here are three options the manager could consider.
Steven Fletcher and Paul Mullin
Steven Fletcher has thrived from the bench this season, scoring a number of dramatic last-minute winners. Fletcher broke the hearts of Peterborough United early in January with his most recent late goal.
The Scottish international is powerful in the air and brings a wealth of experience, he has proven he can last 90 minutes with a goal in the recent local derby defeat. Wrexham fans praised Fletcher’s performance against Shrewsbury.
Alongside Fletcher, Paul Mullin could thrive on picking up knock downs and second balls. Mullin has struggled for form this season however, a quality striker does not forget where the back of the net is.
This partnership could give Wrexham the option of playing more direct and unlocking some space and opportunities for their talisman Mullin, it may be the answer to improving their wretched away form.
Jack Marriott and Paul Mullin
If you are looking for your strikers to just put the ball in the back of the net then Jack Marriott and Mullin are the two best finishers at the club.
The partnership wouldn’t offer much physical presence in the air but the energy and trickery of both could cause problems for opposition defences and allow Wrexham to be inventive in the final third.
This combination would rely on quality service being provided from the likes of Lee and wing backs Ryan Barnett and James McClean but create the chances and this duo will put them away.
Jack Marriott and Ryan Longman
Marriott started the season on fire in front of goal with five goals in his first ten appearances before injury stopped him in his tracks.
Parkinson praised Ryan Longman’s debut against Stevenage, where he operated in the right wing-back role. However, there were signs in his brief cameo that Longman could be more useful further up the field.
Marriott and Longman combined well together on a number of occasions in the latter stages, one in particular led to an excellent effort from Marriott being saved by goalkeeper Murphy Cooper.
Longman has had experience of playing centre forward, if the duo have struck up an understanding already it may be worth a try as Parkinson battles to find the combination that will make Wrexham potent in attack once again.