Wrexham Secure Draw Against Bristol Rovers but Slip in League One Standings

Despite an impressive rally from behind, Wrexham fell out of the League One automatic promotion slots after drawing with relegation-threatened Bristol Rovers at the Stok Cae Ras.

From the start, Wrexham looked the more dominant side, with Jed Ward pulling off impressive saves to thwart efforts from Max Cleworth and Ollie Rathbone.

As the match progressed, Elliot Lee and Ryan Longman each had opportunities to score for the home team, making it clear that Iñigo Calderón’s squad was eager to gain control of the game.

However, defying their poor away record, Bristol Rovers took the lead just past the 30-minute mark when Taylor Moore headed Matt Butcher’s corner past Arthur Okonkwo, marking his inaugural goal for the team.

Buoyed by their goal, the visitors continued to press, with Moore narrowly missing another header from a Kofi Shaw cross, maintaining their advantage into half-time.

With Hollywood co-owner Rob McElhenney watching from the stands, Wrexham, under Phil Parkinson’s guidance, needed an improved second-half performance in their bid for automatic promotion alongside Birmingham City.

Early in the second half, striker Sam Smith headed just wide, and substitute Steven Fletcher came close with a header that was expertly tipped over, testing Wrexham’s six-match unbeaten streak.

Ultimately, they equalized in the 76th minute when Longman’s cross found Matty James, who calmly scored past Ward, leading to a suspenseful conclusion.

Despite their efforts, Wrexham couldn’t clinch the win, dropping to third place, just one point behind Wycombe Wanderers, who moved to second after triumphing over Bolton Wanderers, as the season’s last three games loom.

Having snapped their six-game losing streak, Bristol Rovers remain 21st but are now tied on points with 20th-placed Burton Albion, who have a game in hand.