Wrexham recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Exeter City on Saturday to strengthen their hopes of winning automatic promotion.
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Wrexham won comfortablyRathbone and Rodriguez scoredRed Dragons second behind BirminghamFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportTELL ME MORE
In Devon, Wrexham had the lead against Exeter within 23 minutes, as Ollie Rathbone's shot found the back of the net via a deflection in the area.
The goal came after Sam Smith thought he had opened the scoring, only to see the offside flag raised.
In the second half, Wrexham doubled their lead on the hour; after Jay Rodriguez was fouled in the area, the former Southampton striker stepped up to score from 12 yards.
The Welsh side pressed for more, but they were held back by a determined Exeter backline.
Phil Parkinson's side now sit nine points behind leaders Birmingham, but the Blues have two games in hand, and are almost certain to win the title, barring a spectacular collapse. Perhaps more encouraging is the fact that Wrexham are now three points clear of third-placed Wycombe Wanderers, although they have a game in hand on the Red Dragons.
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Rodriguez can bring a touch of class to League One and he did so for Wrexham on Saturday. Not only did he convert from 12 yards, he was a constant menace leading the line, and was also regularly willing to drop deep to collect possession, thus confusing Exeter's defensive organisation.
Getty Images SportTHE BIG LOSER
It's becoming increasingly difficult to envisage Wrexham restoring Paul Mullin to this team. With Rodriguez leading the line so well, and the likes of Smith and Steven Fletcher also still capable of providing real quality, it is hard to disagree with the assessment that the formerly indispensable forward is "finished" in Wales. That he was not even in the squad is surely a sign that he will soon be on his way.
WHAT COMES NEXT?
Wrexham face Cambridge United on Tuesday before a clash with Burton Albion on Saturday. Both sides are currently in the bottom four of League One.
