Promotion hopefuls Wrexham were forced to settle for a point in a frustrating 0-0 draw at Wigan Athletic, a result that has significantly narrowed the gap in League One’s race for automatic promotion.
With Wycombe Wanderers snatching a late victory at Adams Park, Phil Parkinson’s side now hold a slender one-point advantage in second place. And with only four matches remaining, the pressure is beginning to tell.
Visitors stifled by resolute Latics
The Brick Community Stadium saw few moments of true quality, but Wigan manager Ryan Lowe will be pleased with how his side executed their gameplan. The hosts restricted Wrexham to a solitary effort off target in a defensive display that underlined why clean sheets remain a priority for the Latics.
Wigan, themselves without a win in their previous five league outings, looked the more composed side early on. Asamoah curled wide in the first notable moment of the half, while Dobson’s speculative effort offered little threat at the other end.
The visitors had reason to feel aggrieved after Longman’s cross struck Robinson’s arm in the area — though referee and officials saw no infringement. From there, it was Wigan who posed the greater danger.
Okonkwo denied Asamoah with a diving save and repeated the feat moments later to frustrate Dale. In response, Parkinson rang the changes, introducing experienced attackers including Fletcher and Lee, yet none could find a breakthrough.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t win it — we had chances,” admitted Lowe. “But we limited Wrexham, who’ve spent a lot and are where they are for a reason, and that says a lot about our performance.”
The draw was enough to confirm Birmingham City as League One champions, but Wrexham’s own destiny now hangs delicately in the balance. Seven matches unbeaten may offer some encouragement, but failure to test the goalkeeper across 90 minutes will concern Parkinson heading into a crucial stretch.
Despite the disappointing result, Wrexham’s defensive record remains impressive. The clean sheet was their 22nd of the campaign — more than any other team in the division. But it’s at the other end where answers are now urgently needed.
Wigan, meanwhile, will be hoping this spirited effort helps them climb further from the bottom six. While still 17th, the manner of the performance against such high-quality opposition should restore some belief in Lowe’s squad.
Site opinion
Wrexham have rarely been outplayed this season, but this draw highlighted a growing concern — their attacking edge may be blunting at the worst possible time. While they remain in second, it’s clear that a stutter now could see them overtaken. Their forward unit lacked fluidity and threat, even after tactical changes. For Wigan, it was a job well done — they played with pride and nullified a side expected to win. Parkinson has four games to correct course. Otherwise, Wrexham may need to prepare for the play-offs instead.
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