Wrexham’s hopes of wrapping up the National League title in double-quick time have taken a blow after they drew 0-0 with fellow promotion-chasers Barnet on Saturday.
The Welsh club produced one of the games of the season last weekend after they battled valiantly to beat Notts County 3-2 in what many were dubbing a title-deciding match. Ben Foster famously saved a penalty at the death to deny the visitors, and ultimately give Wrexham a commanding lead atop the table.
The result of their 0-0 against Barnet today, though, means Notts County once again have the opportunity to close the gap to just one point when they play Woking later today. Phil Parkinson’s men also face Yeovil on Tuesday for their game in hand, adding significant pressure to that contest now.
Such is the close proximity of both clubs at the summit that even draws are almost treated as defeats. It certainly has the feel of last season’s Premier League title race between Manchester City and Liverpool where just one point separated the two clubs after matchday 38, and draws were almost viewed as tantamount to losses.
However, Wrexham know their destiny is in their own hands, but they will have to host Yeovil at the Racecourse next week without their manager and one of their stars players, after both were sent off at Barnet. Callum McFadzean received a straight red card in the second half after colliding with Laurie Walker, while Parkinson received his marching orders after the full-time whistle for confronting the Barnet ‘keeper.
Just after half-time, Walker produced a routine save from a Paul Mullin overhead kick before going to claim the ball. As he went to gather the loose ball, McFadzean went through and appeared to leave a trailing leg on the Barnet No. 1, catching the ‘keeper on his head and being sent off as a result.
Following the game, Parkinson confronted Walker, leading to a coming together between both teams, and the Wrexham manager was ultimately given a red card by the referee (to little protest), applauding the travelling contingent as he immediately made his way to the Hive tunnel.
In the immediate aftermath, Walker told BT Sport that Parkinson accused him of “cheating”, hence the coming together, but stressed that it was clear McFadzean raced through a caught him on the head.
"He was trying to say I was cheating…" ?
Laurie Walker discusses unexpected confrontation with Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson at full-time…
?️ @michaelkurn pic.twitter.com/MZOEaWlI4M
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) April 15, 2023
The result now means Wrexham remain in a strong position at the top of the National League, but the pressure will be on if Notts County win their game against Woking.
The Welsh club continue to write their Hollywood script, even making their 0-0s entertaining affairs. This title race continues to dish out drama and controversy at every junction.