Blackburn Rovers 2-0 Wrexham AFC; Review

Wrexham’s hopes of building momentum in the Championship suffered another setback as Phil Parkinson’s side fell 2-0 to Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Saturday, continuing an inconsistent start to their second Championship season.

Blackburn started brightly, with Jayden Fevrier curling narrowly wide before Hayden Carter headed off target from Harry Pickering’s corner. Wrexham initially struggled to settle but gradually found their rhythm.

Sam Smith diverted Matty James’ effort well wide, before a scramble inside the Blackburn penalty area saw several Wrexham attempts blocked. The visitors enjoyed a better spell, with Kieffer Moore heading over from Ben Whiteman’s corner after 22 minutes.

Dominic Hyam was booked for a late challenge against his former club, then sent a long pass that put Moore through. Goalkeeper Balazs Toth couldn't gather and knocked the ball away from the striker, allowing a defender to clear.

Blackburn threatened again as Carter struck the post from Todd Cantwell’s corner. The breakthrough followed shortly afterwards, when Anthony Patterson parried a shot, and Andri Gudjohnsen converted the rebound, sending Wrexham into the interval trailing despite their encouraging first-half response.

Wrexham came into the second half needing an equaliser, but Blackburn preserved their advantage before Andri Gudjohnsen’s second goal settled the contest.

Phil Parkinson changed both central midfielders in the 64th minute, introducing Ben Sheaf and George Dobson for Ben Whiteman and Matty James. Blackburn’s Sam Morsy was booked a minute later, while the hosts subsequently replaced Jayden Fevrier with Augustus Kargbo.

With Wrexham still trailing, Parkinson made three further changes after 78 minutes. Ryan Longman replaced Jacques Ekomié, Daniel Imray came on for Issa Kaboré, and Oliver Rathbone replaced Dominic Hyam.

However, Blackburn doubled their lead almost immediately. Todd Cantwell supplied Gudjohnsen, who scored in the 79th minute, leaving the visitors with a difficult route back.

Wrexham couldn't find a response in the closing stages as the hosts completed a frustrating afternoon for Parkinson’s side.

Parkinson will once again be under pressure after another disappointing defeat and performance; the Red Dragons' inconsistency so far has raised questions about the manager's future. Away supporters started today's match by singing their manager's name, but frustration will echo across the wider fanbase this evening.

Wrexham will look to respond at Sheffield United on Friday, October 30, with kick-off at Bramall Lane scheduled for 8pm. Phil Parkinson’s side then host Middlesbrough on November 4 before welcoming Wolves three days later.

Blackburn travel to Swansea City on Saturday, October 31, for a 3pm kick-off. Rovers then return to Ewood Park for consecutive home matches against Stoke City on November 3 and West Ham United on November 7, seeking further Championship points.