Ryan Barnett scored a stunning goal as Wrexham stopped the rot and dug in to beat Mansfield 1-0 in a clash between two League One promotion rivals.
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Wrexham secure narrow 1-0 winBarnett screamer the differenceOpens up four-point gap to StagsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱TELL ME MORE
In a match where Wrexham needed to win to keep pace with Wycombe and Birmingham above them, the Red Dragons' usual fast start was rewarded when right-wing back Ryan Barnett cut inside and unleashed a spectacular strike past Mansfield goalkeeper Christy Pym just six minutes in, making it 1-0 to the hosts. But Mansfield were desperate not to let the game get away from them as they aim to chase down their League One rivals and they took control for the remainder of the first half, dominating possession and limiting Wrexham to just a few counter-attacks.
There was a slight shift when the Stags' keeper Pym had to go off after picking up an injury, with substitute Scott Flinders having a few shaky moments, but the bigger chances – bar one curling Paul Mullin effort – fell to Mansfield, who called Arthur Okonkwo into action several times.
The second half was much more open, with both sides having opportunities. Mansfield's press was causing problems for the Wrexham backline and they hit the frame of the goal through Lee Gregory, while Will Evans also had an attempt saved. At the other end, there was plenty of space as the Stags pushed for an equaliser. Mullin had acres of room on every attack and even had a go at a spectacular overhead kick, although he did mistime it. Further strikes from Elliot Lee and Ollie Palmer did not give Wrexham the cushion they were looking for but did provide moments of reprieve as they saw the game out.
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Barnett's goal against Mansfield was his first of the season. He has already provided five assists in League One for Wrexham but is finally starting to fire in front of goal under head coach Phil Parkinson.
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Barnett's goal proved to be the difference and although Wrexham were not at their best as a team, a moment of individual brilliance could be the difference between promotion and remaining in League One for another season come May. On top of his goal, the 25-year-old was required to do a hefty bit of defending against a dominant Mansfield side and he is more than deserving of a shoutout.
THE BIG LOSER
Mansfield needed a win in this game to close the gap to those chasing promotion. They are now four points behind Wrexham, although they do have a game in hand on Parkinson's men. It is a five-point gap between themselves, Wycombe and Birmingham, although both of the top two will have the chance to increase that margin significantly before Mansfield next play.
