Wrexham record against struggling sides brings concern

We know that Wrexham don’t don’t always need lots of the ball to hurt teams, and may actually prefer to give the opposition the ball.

Wrexham thrive on crosses and transitions, but found it difficult to break Bristol Rovers down on Friday.

This is, sadly, a recurring theme for Wrexham and there have been some frustrating results against struggling sides.

Wrexham lost at Shrewsbury Town in January, have drawn twice against Cambridge United this season and have now drawn twice against Bristol Rovers.

All three of those teams sit in the relegation zone and Wrexham really haven’t made the most of those games.

Wrexham had 62% of possession at Shrewsbury, 56% and 57% against Cambridge and now 65% in the draw with Bristol Rovers.

Think about some of Wrexham’s best wins this season; the 3-0 win over Reading, the 2-0 win at Peterborough United, the 1-0 victory over Stockport County at home.

Wrexham’s didn’t even crack 40% possession in any of those games, with Parkinson’s men able to battle through and keep a clean sheet whilst maximising the opportunities in attack.

There are some anomalies, of course, with Wrexham dominating possession against Northampton Town, but an early goal really helped in that game.

To only take three points from games against Cambridge, Wigan Athletic and Bristol Rovers in recent weeks is a huge disappointment, and could be the difference between automatic promotion and the battle of the play-offs.

Wrexham must add more creativity in the summer

Wrexham have done brilliantly to be in this position, and the season may still end in promotion.

Parkinson’s side cause havoc from crosses and opponents really have to be up for the battle.

Friday’s game showed that Wrexham do need more guile and creativity in the summer, no matter whether it’s Championship or League One football.

We urged Wrexham to sign a playmaking midfielder in January, but Parkinson chose to sign two strikers and another wing back option.

Wrexham want Tom Lawrence this summer, and the Rangers man may be a solution in terms of adding some guile in the final third when Wrexham have more of the ball.

Elliot Lee hasn’t been quite as big of a factor this season as in usual seasons, and Wrexham really need another option in terms of an advanced midfielder.

That must be a focus this summer and Wrexham must prioritise more creativity in the transfer window having been frustrated on a few occasions of late.