Wrexham took on Crewe Alexandra in an EFL trophy meeting on Tuesday evening at the Racecourse Ground.
The Red Dragons have been on a tear in the league of late, now winning four games in a row without conceding a single goal.
However, their stint in cup competitions has not been anywhere near as prolific.
Wrexham crashed out of the FA Cup in the first round against Harrogate Town and were bested by Sheffield United in the Carabao Cup.
But EFL Trophy success was still on the cards ahead of the meeting at the Racecourse Ground against Crewe Alexandra.
Phil Parkinson’s men beat Salford City, Wolverhampton Wanders’ U21s, and lost to Port Vale on penalties to make it out of the group stage, with Crewe their first opponent of the knockout rounds.
The first 45 drew to a close with the score still at 0-0 and fans having very little to cheer about.
The most notable action came when Wrexham midfielder James Jones was forced off vs Crewe after 32 minutes.
MORE WREXHAM STORIES
The Welsh side eventually took the lead when Paul Mullin’s cross was headed in by defender Aaron James in the 78th minute.
Overall, it really wasn’t a great display, with Parkinson once again having to rely on someone other than his strikers to provide the breakthrough.
Here’s how the players rate –
Brad Foster – 7
Only signed for the club last week but looked right at home on his Wrexham debut, making a few big saves and comanding his box well.
Dan Scarr – 6
A solid showing from the stopper who won a number of duels, comanding his box well while trying to play out from the back.
Thomas O’Connor – 7
Dealt was Crewe’s main attacking threat fairly well but was forced to make a few fouls to keep Finley Hamilton Roberts and Adrien Tinashe Thibaut quiet.
Aaron James – 8
The academy product rarley put a foot wrong and didn’t look out of place alongside his experienced defensive partners. Scored the winner with a fantastic header.
Anthony Forde – 5
It was clear Forde has been starved off game time this season. There’s a quality player in there but his lack of match sharpness impacted his night.
George Dobson – 7
A dominant display in the middle of the park with his quick feet and pinpoint passing on full display while he was on the pitch.
James Jones – 5
Did little of note before being forced off with an injury in the first half.
Josh Adam – 6
Made a few decent passes but didn’t create too much going forward. Was defensivley sound.
Jacob Mendy – 6
A very lively showing from the left-back, who was the only player who looked like creating anything of note for large periods with his runs from deep.
Modou Faal – 4
Didn’t really do enough to show Parkinson why he should be starting in the league. His aerial threat was lacking and he struggled to test to Crewe keeper apart from a half-chance in the first half.
Jon Dadi Bodvarsson – 5
Worked tirelessly to chase down every loose ball and put a lot of pressure on the Crewe defenders but didn’t manage a shot of goal before being subbed.
Substitutes
Paul Mullin – 7
This was a big chance for Mullin to get himself back on the scoresheet against weaker oposition. Saw a good chance blocked in the 77th minute but did assit James less than a minute later.
Andy Cannon – 6
Brought on after 32 minutes to replace the injured Jones. Nearly handed Crewe a goal shortly after being brought on but his mistake didn’t prove costly. Did little else of note.
Elliot Lee – 6
Parkinson probably wanted to rest Lee for this clash but he was sorley needed after such a lack of creativity in the opening 60 minutes. Looked very sharp during his 30-minute cameo.
Ollie Palmer – 5
Helped overload the Crewe box and put pressure on defenders.
Sebastian Revan – 5
Almost had an instant impact but his cutback to Mullin was blocked.
Related Posts
Get the source article here
