Wrexham lost 2-1 to Sydney on Tuesday, as they turned in a lethargic performance down under in pre-season.
After 18 minutes, a fine, curling free-kick from James McClean was inadvertently turned into his own net by Corey Hollman, as the Welsh side were rewarded for strong early work.
Before half-time, Rathbone was substituted with a potential muscular injury, as Sydney screamed for a penalty after a handball in the area. While it was not given, a corner was instead, and Sydney equalised; Danny Ward made a superb save from a close-range header but Alexander Popovic pounced to fire the rebound into the roof of the net.
Just after the hour mark, manager Phil Parkinson rang the changes, introducing essentially an entirely new team, including a new goalkeeper in the form of Callum Burton.
Seven minutes later, Wrexham should have had the lead, as Jack Marriott first forced a great one-on-one save from Harrison Devenish-Meares, then Jay Rodriguez headed just wide.
Sydney punished them swiftly, and in the 74th minute, Joseph Lacey took aim from range and curled an effort beyond the flapping Burton, who got a strong hand to the ball but could not keep it out.
Wrexham attempted to find an equaliser, but could not find the required rhythm to put together a decent chance. As a result, Parkinson’s side left Sydney defeated.
McClean was Wrexham’s creative hub while he was on the pitch, consistently whipping in devilish deliveries. As soon as he was substituted, the Welsh club’s threat all but disappeared.
Fumbling goalkeeper Burton was Wrexham’s most disappointing performer in the second half, but Rathbone’s early substitution will have sent a shiver down Parkinson’s and Wrexham co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney’s spine. He was Wrexham’s Player of the Season last term, and any potential injury lay-off would be an almighty blow to the club’s hopes of kick-starting their Championship season.
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Wrexham play 威靈頓鳳凰 在 紐西蘭 on Saturday. They will kick off their Championship campaign against 南安普敦 on August 9.
