Louie Barry haunts Wrexham again! Red Dragons stung by Stockport County as Aston Villa loanee's stunner delivers valuable win in League One promotion battle

Wrexham fielded two debutants - Jon Dadi Bodvarsson and Callum Burton - against Stockport County but were defeated narrowly in their League One encounter, thanks largely to the brilliance of Louie Barry, who scored in a 5-0 win over Phil Parkinson's side last season.

Stockport had the lead within the first 25 minutes, as Barry, once of Barcelona's youth system and on loan at the club from Aston Villa, curled a stunner into the top corner from the edge of the box after Ollie Norwood's initial shot was blocked.

Stockport continued to dominate throughout the first half and came close on multiple occasions, as goalkeeper Callum Burton was repeatedly called into action.

Despite that, the hosts could not extend their lead before the interval and after the restart, debutant Jon Dadi Bodvarsson stabbed wide from an inviting Ryan Barnett cross.

Burton was again required to deny Barry his brace in the 53rd minute, getting down low to tip a driven effort around the post, and he flung up an arm to stop Kyle Wootton in a one-on-one situation soon after. At the other end, Elliot Lee headed wide, as Paul Mullin failed to connect with the loose ball as it bounced across the goalmouth.

With just two minutes remaining, Wrexham had another chance, but Mullin could only send a tame header wide after being found in the area. Burton made another two big saves before full-time, burgeoning his reputation further, but his team-mates were nowhere near as inspired.

Burton in Wrexham's goal was exceptional. He kept the score down, and in the process, revealed himself as a reliable No.2 to Arthur Okonkwo, who is out injured. This was his first league game for the Welsh club, and only his fifth appearance overall. That his performance was so good is all the more impressive.

It feels harsh to single out a player for one missed chance but Lee's miss at the back post proved decisive. He is usually so clinical, and has already netted four goals in League One, but a player of his quality will be disappointed to have missed the huge opportunity, while he wasn't able to influence the game in attacking areas as much as he usually does.

Wrexham have a swift turnaround for their fixtures and face Exeter City at home on Saturday, November 23. Then, three days later, they play Lincoln City at SToK Cae Ras. They will need to recover, as Stockport sit just one point behind Wrexham in fourth place in League One after Saturday's win.