On Tuesday night, Wrexham lost a great chance to pass Mansfield Town at the top of League Two with a goalless draw against Harrogate at home.
Despite losing 2-1 away at Tranmere Rovers, where Phil Parkinson’s team was unable to strike the net, the Stags maintained their top spot in the standings.
The Red Dragons made a strong effort, especially in the second half, and although they currently trail in second place by just two points, the draw brought them one step closer to their title rivals.
But Wrexham could pay a price for their lack of discipline in the 73rd minute, as they now have to play two games without one of their main midfield players.
Parkinson left frustrated by McClean’s suspension
With nine yellow cards going into the match, former Ireland international James McClean was walking a tightrope.
With 17 minutes remaining, McClean was cautioned for a cynical foul on Levi Sutton, which caused a loud sigh from the Racecourse crowd.
It was at the moment when he realized he would be suspended for the forthcoming matches against Grimsby Town and Tranmere Rovers.
Parkinson could do without the problem, as Stockport County is just one point behind Wrexham in the standings and has two games remaining against the North Walians.
Despite spending the most of the season at left wing-back, McClean has emerged as a revelation after being pushed forward into midfield in recent games.
The team’s recent performance improvements have been largely attributed to his exceptional passing ability and ability to harass opponents.
Parkinson acknowledged at the news conference following the game that the feisty midfielder’s impending absence seemed certain.
“I’ve seen this referee in action at Morecambe and Crawley, and it’s frustrating for us,” he stated.
A few weeks back, he had eight yellow cards in a game that had very few tackles.
“I did worry about that tonight, but James’s booking was probably warranted.”
Tom O’Connor could be solution to McClean absence
The Wrexham manager has few alternatives in midfield heading into the next two games, but he is ready for everything.
James Jones, another midfield player, and the important George Evans are still sidelined due to injuries.
Tom O’Connor’s earlier-than-anticipated return to training following a fractured foot at Newport in January offers some promise for Parkinson.
The Irish midfielder, who was signed in January 2022 from Burton Albion, has played as a left-sided center-back for the majority of the current campaign. Prior to his injury, he was among the team’s top players.
O’Connor’s versatility could be important after Parkinson told The Leader newspaper last week that he was aiming to get him back involved as soon as possible.
If he doesn’t make his return in time, then Luke Young is another player who could fill the void after coming close to scoring during a late cameo against Harrogate with a long-range effort which was tipped over the bar.
Despite finding game time hard to come by in League Two, the midfielder’s arguably the best option they have as far as his deliveries from set pieces are concerned.
Similarly to McClean, he’s not afraid of tackling and capable of carrying the ball up the field.
Attacking midfielder Jordan Davies is also a possibility, but the homegrown player has been something of a forgotten man this term, with his late introduction against Harrogate having little impact.
Tight League Two promotion race
Whoever replaces McClean for the next two games, it’s vital to Wrexham’s automatic promotion hopes that they step up effectively, with Crewe and MK Dons also in close contention for a top-three spot.
Their draw against Harrogate, who now boast the second-best away record in the league, was far from disastrous. However, they can’t afford many more slip-ups in the remaining nine games of their campaign.
Missing such an experienced and key player for two of those games in McClean, then, is far from ideal, and it could give encouragement to those around Wrexham in a congested League Two promotion race the boost they need to turn the screw.
