***Wrexham Official Matchday Thread (Tues 9/4/24)***

Yeah I get the impression from reading elsewhere that they were by their standards excellent tonight, with us also looking a decent side. Nice to get that judgement from the opposition, and to learn that we’ve caught them on a night when they’ve turned it on, but presumably needed to to beat us.

Looking at the highlights, our defenders let us down again. I hope Scott gave them a rollicking. Need Ransom back. The stats show that we had over two thirds possession and more shots on target than them, they were just more clinical. Wrexham fans thought we played well.

Need to beat Colchester now. I am hoping Grimsby will be save by the time we play them.

Once again we were outmuscled by a team but, unlike Doncaster (with the notable exception of their left winger), Wrexham had some skill as well.

My partner pointed out to me this morning that Paul Mullin's autobiography was 99p on Kindle daily deals this morning. I thanked her for mentioning it but said I would not be buying as he scored two against Crawley last night!

One observation. Every time Corey had the ball it was played short. He must have been under instructions not to kick it long. Maybe he should have mixed it up and not been so predictable. I understand that he wants to draw the attackers to him before distributing the ball but I would also like him to initiate a quick break out of defence where possible.

Difficult game last night, as we all expected. Wrexham are a strong, fast, skilful team who squeezed the space, pressed hard and limited us to few chances.

They had obviously done their homework, allowed us all the time we wanted on the ball, kept their shape well and played a fast counter-attacking game.

We didn't play badly but they attacked with pace and were clinical in front of goal. Nothing really up front for us, we had three or four shots in the first half but they were all under pressure and ended up being snatched and soft shots which didn't trouble their keeper.

We worked hard throughout and had some really good moves. The midfield were outstanding and we dominated in the middle. They played a wide game and caused us problems when they got their crosses in.

We also managed to get a lot of balls into their box but there were never enough bodies in the box or following uo to make the difference.

Our defence were untroubled for the first 20 minutes or so but as soon as they broke you could sense trouble - the ball into the box caused mayhem and they managed to put it in.

Their second goal was very well worked and was a superb move up the pitch at pace. Whether the defence could have done better I don't know, I haven't seen the highlights but we weren't too disheartened as we still thought we could get something from the game. They had three chances in the first half, two goals and they hit the post.

In the second half we continued to dominate possession and we started to look sharper up front.

The third goal was a bit of a sickener, great save from Corey but he couldn't keep the rebound out - our defence looked a little slow reacting.

The fourth was a gift- a poor passback from Ade and Mullin was never going to miss.

We responded well after every goal and we were all surprised at how the team went for it right to the end. The Lolos goal was well taken and we fought hard to add to it in the final few minutes.

Overall, thanks to the Doncaster score it didn't matter that much. All the subs made an impact with Liam, Ade (despite his error) looking very good indeed.

Pick of the players were Liam Kelly, Harry Forster in the second half, Kellen in the first half, Darcy and Jeremy Kelly. Man of the match, Ronan Darcy.

At the end there was a great reception for Scott and players, recognising how hard we fought and generally how well we played. Nobody was downhearted and very well done to the supporters for keeping the support going through the whole game.

Disappointed to lose? Of course. Could have got something from the game? Perhaps. Outplayed? No. Beaten by a more clinical team playing at their absolute best? Undoubtedly and by a team containing many players who are way too good for League Two.

This was a good prediction for what next season may be like if we go up.

Still, all very exciting and we move on to Saturday' crucial game.

SCOTT LINDSEY'S RED ARMY!

Four games left to play, three against sides in the bottom four. Nine points should secure a play-off place. On current form we should be Colchester and Grimsby, although Sutton are on a bit of a run......