Damaging Saints loss can't define Wrexham's season
One hefty defeat will not define Wrexham's season. While there is no shame in being beaten by a Saints side now unbeaten in 16 games across all competitions, there were some concerning aspects to the defeat. For all of Wrexham's growth this season, the fact the manager said his team have to go "back to basics" when it comes to the defensive side of things demonstrated just how frustrated he was on Tuesday night.
[Getty Images] One hefty defeat will not define Wrexham's season. But it's fair to say their emphatic 5-1 loss to Southampton at Stok Cae Ras was damaging as far as their Championship play-off hopes are concerned. While there is no shame in being beaten by a Saints side now unbeaten in 16 games across all competitions, there were some concerning aspects to the defeat.
Phil Parkinson alluded to his side's lacklustre defending, particularly from set-pieces, as something that will need to be worked on before Sunday's trip to Birmingham City. For all of Wrexham's growth this season, the fact the manager said his team have to go "back to basics" when it comes to the defensive side of things demonstrated just how frustrated he was on Tuesday night. Tonda Eckert's men were mesmerising in spells, and the German boss has a squad that boasts heaps of talent at his disposal.
So in that regard, the Red Dragons could be forgiven for licking their wounds and swiftly putting the game behind them. Ultimately, Wrexham's top six destiny is no longer in their own hands, but that should not take away from what has been a memorable campaign so far. A glance at the likes of Leicester City, Sheffield United and West Bromwich Albion further down the table demonstrates just how incredibly well Wrexham have performed to even be in the mix for a play-off place.
And, with 15 points still to play for, the race for the top six is far from done and dusted.