Wrexham Player Ratings vs Blackburn: Kaboré Offers Promise As Missed Chances Prove Costly

Wrexham failed to build on their victory over Preston as Andri Gudjohnsen’s double condemned Phil Parkinson’s side to a 2–0 defeat at Blackburn Rovers.

Wrexham had chances to take something from Ewood Park, but the visitors lacked the finishing touch. Gudjohnsen struck shortly before half-time and again in the 79th minute, punishing a Wrexham side whose encouraging attacking spells produced no reward.

Here are my player ratings,

Anthony Patterson - 6/10

Parried Sam Morsy’s strike into Gudjohnsen’s path for the opener, leaving a frustrating mark on his afternoon. Responded with an excellent save to deny Dapo Afolayan after the restart and later stopped Augustus Kargbo. Those interventions kept Wrexham in the game.

Dominic Hyam - 6/10

A mixed return against his former club. He was booked in the first half, but his long pass created an opening for Kieffer Moore when Blackburn struggled to deal with the ball. Replaced as Parkinson looked for a way back into the game.

Joe Worrall - 5/10

Had a chance to equalise when a loose ball reached him inside the penalty area, but he fired wide. More damagingly, Gudjohnsen turned away from him before scoring Blackburn’s second. Two significant moments went against the defender.

Callum Doyle - 6/10

A modest afternoon rather than a performance that stood out positively or negatively.

Issa Kaboré - 7/10

One of Wrexham’s more encouraging performers. Offered an outlet down the right and delivered crosses for the forwards to attack. His willingness to advance helped the visitors establish pressure, although that service ultimately went unrewarded.

Ben Whiteman - 7/10

His corner provided Moore with a first-half headed opportunity. Worked hard in the midfield in attempts to control the game. Withdrawn after 64 minutes during Parkinson’s double midfield change, with the visitors still searching for an equaliser.

Matty James - 5/10

Booked shortly before the interval and replaced alongside Whiteman. Wrexham needed more control and precision from midfield as Blackburn kept threatening.

Jacques Ekomié - 7/10

Provided a useful attacking contribution from the left. His delivery created a second-half shooting opportunity for Moore, while his combinations with Callum O’Hare offered another way forward. Among the brighter performers before being substituted.

Callum O’Hare - 6/10

Created a clear-headed opportunity for Sam Smith with his second-half cross. He had chances himself, including an effort over Moore’s headed pass and a late header wide.

Sam Smith - 5/10

His missed header from O’Hare’s delivery was a significant opportunity with Wrexham only one goal behind. Earlier, he helped create a blocked attempt for Moore, but his own finishing left the visitors without the breakthrough they needed.

Kieffer Moore - 6/10

Remained involved in Wrexham’s attacking efforts, seeing attempts blocked and supplying teammates around the penalty area. Nevertheless, several shooting opportunities ended without a goal, leaving Blackburn’s clinical finishing the decisive difference.

Substitutes

Ben Sheaf - 5/10: Introduced for Whiteman after 64 minutes.

George Dobson - 5/10: Replaced James in the same double substitution.

Danny Imray - Not Rated: Arrived after 78 minutes and sent a late effort high and wide.

Ryan Longman - Not Rated: Supplied a cross that O’Hare headed wide late.

Oliver Rathbone - Not Rated: Replaced Hyam immediately before Blackburn’s second goal.

Blackburn Rovers: Toth, Alebiosu, Carter, McLoughlin, Fevrier (Kargbo 72), Morsy, Baradji (Garrett 89) Pickering, Cantwell, Gudjohnsen (De Neve 89), Afolayan

Subs not used: Pears, Atcheson, Wharton, Beyuku, Pates, Dunn

Wrexham AFC: Patterson, Hyam (Rathbone 79), Worrall, Doyle, Kaboré (Imray 79), M.James (Dobson 64), Whiteman (Sheaf 64), Ekomié (Longman 79), O’Hare, Smith, Moore

Subs not used: Ward, Vyner, O’Brien, Cadamarteri