Wrexham were held to a frustrating draw at home to Harrogate but still cut the gap at the League Two summit as leaders Mansfield were beaten.
Wrexham draw 0-0 with HarrogateBut now just two points off top spotMansfield beaten at TranmereTELL ME MORE
An uneventful first half saw Wrexham enjoy plenty of possession but struggle to create chances against a Harrogate team happy to sit deep and try to attack on the break. An early header from Derrick Abu that bounced wide was the visitors' best effort of the half, while Wrexham's only real sight of goal was an effort from Will Boyle that flew over the bar.
Ollier Palmer flashed a shot wide on the hour mark as Wrexham continued to toil, leading Phil Parkinson to send for Steven Fletcher to add some attacking inspiration. The game started to heat up as Boyle saw a header saved by James Belshaw, before James McClean went into the book for a shirt pull as he picked up his 10th yellow card of the season.
Parkinson switched things around again late on, tweaking his formation and sending on Luke Bolton, Jordan Davies and Jack Marriott in search of a winner. Yet it was Luke Young who almost won it late on. The defender went close with a shot from range that was tipped over the bar as the two sides had to ultimately settle for a point.
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Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw didn't have his busiest night but will no doubt enjoy heading home with a clean sheet from the StoK Racecourse. The stopper made saves from Boyle and Lee but his most important moment of the match was late on when he tipped over a long-range effort from Young at full stretch to preserve a point.
GettyTHE BIG LOSER
McClean came into the match walking a disciplinary tightrope with the threat of a two-match ban hanging over him after picking up nine yellow cards already this season. The tenth duly arrived in the second half when McClean was penalised for a tug on Levi Sutton, meaning Wrexham will now have to cope without the midfielder for their games against Tranmere and Grimsby.
GettyWHAT COMES NEXT?
Wrexham are back in action on Saturday at the StoK Racecourse when they play host to Tranmere Rovers in League Two. Tranmere head into the game fresh from beating leaders Mansfield 2-1 on Tuesday – a result that leaves Wrexham now just two points off top spot.