Wrexham recorded their second one-nil away victory of the season, after Ollie Palmer’s clever finish proved to be the difference against Crawley Town.
Phil Parkinson made one change to the side that drew away to Mansfield Town in the week, as Ben Tozer was rested after an impressive one hundred consecutive league starts, meaning Eoghan O’Connell would return to the side to slot into the middle of the back three.
There was no difference defensively to the Mansfield game though, as Wrexham and Arthur Okonkwo once again claimed a clean sheet.
The home side created few chances, more so in the second half when Wrexham were reduced to ten men, after Andy Cannon’s controversial dismissal in the 66th minute.
The Red Devils constantly fired shots from outside of the Wrexham box, with most of the efforts flying over the stand, as Wrexham stood strong in their defensive efforts.
Crawley Town were just unable to find any holes in the Wrexham defence, and a lot of credit must be bestowed onto James Jones for this, who has just announced a new contract extension with the Club.
Alongside George Evans and Elliot Lee, the trio scurried across the width of the pitch to block out any avenues for the home side, thus seeing the accumulation of shots from distance.
Going forward, the Red Dragons created countless opportunities compared to against Mansfield Town, and were unlucky not to have seen the final score look more flattering.
Palmer continued to win a plethora of balls up top too, bringing other players into the game. Most notably when his strength, touch and weight of pass were crucial in threading through Elliot Lee for a big chance in the eleventh minute.
The number nine’s goal, just a couple of minutes later, was truly remarkable. Running towards the centre of goal whilst holding off a back-pedalling Jay Williams, Palmer shifted at the last moment to move towards the near-post, where he met James McClean’s cross with the outside of his foot to flick the ball over Corey Addai and into the back of the net.
The win against a high-flying Crawley Town side moved Parkinson’s men into seventh position, just four points behind Notts County in first.
An away trip now awaits the Red Dragons in the EFL Trophy group stage, with a short journey to Crewe on the cards, after beating Newcastle United U21s in the competition’s previous fixture.