Five taking points from Wrexham's loss at Sheffield United

Issa Kabore and Joe Worrall at Sheffield United <i>(Image: GEMMA THOMAS)</i>
Issa Kabore and Joe Worrall at Sheffield United (Image: GEMMA THOMAS)
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THE poor run continued as Wrexham suffered a 1-0 defeat away to Sheffield United.

Phil Parkinson's side produced a woeful first half performance and trailed at the break but although there was an improvement in the second period, the Reds suffered a third Championship defeat in four outings.

Here's five talking points from the game.

1. Another match with a shortage of decent chances.

Wrexham never looked like scoring against the Blades despite producing a better display in the second half.

They only had one attempt on target all game and that came in added time with a tame effort from Sam Smith.

United were hardly one of the better sides Wrexham have faced this season but the Reds struggled to create opportunities and a lack of cutting edge in the final third is a huge worry.

2. You fear the worst when Wrexham go behind.

Parkinson has a reputation at The Racecourse for comebacks and an ability to pick up points from a losing position, but that is slipping away.

Unlike in previous seasons, it has become a huge struggle to turn things around if there is a setback in the game.

Wrexham only trailed by one-goal at Bramall Lane and were still in the contest but never threatened an equaliser.

3. Parkinson slammed his players.

The Reds' boss didn't hold back in his post-match press conference when he questioned the effort and desire of his players in the first half.

It was a dire performance when Wrexham were second best in all areas, with the only positive being they only trailed 1-0 and were somehow still in the game.

Managers come under-fire for poor results and the pressure increased on Parkinson following the defeat but the players need to shoulder their share of the blame.

4. Divided opinion on who should be in goal.

Summer signing Anthony Patterson is first choice goalkeeper but the former Sunderland man is yet to win over the doubters.

Some fans felt a new goalkeeper wasn't needed and that Arthur Okonkwo should still be between the posts instead of being sent out on loan, while Wales international Danny Ward continues to play back-up.

Patterson has made some good saves but many feel he should have done better with some of the goals conceded in recent defeats.

5. Two big home games before the international break.

Wrexham are back at The Racecourse this week for two massive matches before the international break, with Wednesday's visit of leaders Middlesbrough followed by the clash with Wolves on Saturday.

They don't come much tougher with in-form Boro flying high at the top and Wolves, currently third in the table, tipped for an immediate return to the Premier League.

There's no reason why the Reds can't get anything from the double-header and they showed last season they can win against the best in the Championship - promoted duo Coventry and Ipswich were both beaten at The Racecourse - but they will have to play a lot better over the course of 90 minutes.

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