Wrexham's Championship campaign has hit a difficult patch, and a 2-0 defeat at Ewood Park on October 24 underlined the inconsistency that has defined their season so far. Phil Parkinson's side were beaten by Blackburn Rovers without scoring, a result that leaves them 17th in the table with 14 points from 12 games, level with the sides immediately around them and uncomfortably close to the relegation places.

The defeat is a setback following what had been a confidence-boosting 4-1 win over Preston North End, a result that briefly lifted the club to 14th and suggested the Red Dragons were finding their footing at Championship level. That momentum has now stalled. Wrexham's form over their last five games tells the story of a side capable of strong performances but unable to string results together consistently. They have scored freely in patches while conceding too many at the other end.

Parkinson has steadied the club through difficult spells before, and there is no suggestion of a crisis, but the table offers little comfort. With Bolton Wanderers and Cardiff City level on points around them, the margin for further slip-ups is thin. The next test comes on October 30 at Bramall Lane against Sheffield United, a fixture that will demand a significant improvement if Wrexham are to move clear of the lower reaches of the division.