Ryan Longman misses sitter as Wrexham slip to another Championship defeat to high-flying Stoke in another setback for Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac's side

Stoke City dominated possession in the first half-hour of the game, though it was Wrexham who looked more positive with their moves in quick counter-attacks. The Red Dragons had a golden opportunity to go one up in the game in the 24th minute when Ryan Longman found himself in front of goal but the Wrexham star somehow contrived to miss from close range. Issa Kabore entered the box from the right side and attempted a shot on goal, which was parried away by Viktor Johansson but the ball fell to Longman's feet. The winger had an empty net in front of him but could only find the side-netting with a lacklustre shot.

The miss proved costly for Wrexham as the hosts shortly broke the deadlock through Sorba Thomas' brilliant strike in the 36th minute. Stoke won their first corner of the match, which was taken by Lewis Baker, whose delivery lacked sting but it somehow went to Thomas on the left side. The Stoke winger quickly switched the ball to his right foot and took a shot which flew into the top right corner.

The home side could have doubled their minutes after the hour mark as Million Manhoef rattled the crossbar with a powerful shot. Baker initiated the move and found Manhoef, who cut into the penalty box on his left before unleashing a shot. Unfortunately for him, the ball came off the crossbar, saving Wrexham from more embarrassment. 

Phil Parkinson's side had an opportunity to restore parity towards the end of the game when Aaron Cresswell almost sliced the ball into his own net, while trying to clear Liberato Cacace's cross but it went over the crossbar. 

Wrexham's misery continued as they remained in 18th position after Saturday's result. They have managed to register just two wins out of their first 10 matches and have now lost four times. 

Thomas stole the limelight in a match where both teams lacked sting in attack and remained toothless throughout the 90 minutes. The Welsh winger stepped up when his team needed him and scored the winner with a stunning effort in the first half to seal a crucial three points. 

Longman turned out to be the villain for Wrexham as he embarrassingly missed a sitter by being unable to find the back of the net in the 24th minute despite having an empty net in front of him. The miss cost the Red Dragons dearly as their six-game unbeaten run across all competitions came to an end. It's also the first time this season they've failed to find the back of the net in a Championship game.