Dom Hyam has admitted Wrexham’s clash with Oxford United has become hugely important as the Dragons look to prove they can cut it in the Championship by finally delivering at home.
Wrexham’s five-game unbeaten run ended with a 1–0 defeat at Stoke City, leaving them 18th in the table and still searching for a first home league win of the season.
Their only victories at the Stok Cae Ras so far have come in the EFL Cup against Hull City and Reading.
“It’s huge. Every team that does well needs to be doing well at home,” said summer signing Hyam.
“Yes, we’ve wanted more points at home so far. It’s a long season but I think we’ve had some good performances against some top teams and we’re working out the division.
“We’re a new group but we remain positive.
“It’s a disappointing result [at Stoke] but it’s a big opportunity on Wednesday to try and get that first home win.”
Phil Parkinson’s side had their moments at the bet365 Stadium, but couldn’t find a breakthrough before Wales star Sorba Thomas’s looping cross settled the contest in the 36th minute.
“We had some great moments, but obviously we didn’t take them,” said Parkinson.
“And with the goal we conceded, I think if you freeze frame it when Sorba Thomas has got the ball in that position, and you say three seconds later the ball was in the back of the net, you probably wouldn’t have believed it.
“We should have dealt with it.
“I felt at half-time, that if we kept playing the same way that more opportunities would come, but I felt we didn’t show enough consistency in our quality to make it in that second period.
“I don’t think it (the second-half performance) came from a bad place…but I felt it was a game we should have got something out of.”
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Wrexham’s best chance came early on when Issa Kabore’s drive was parried by Viktor Johansson, only for Ryan Longman to hit the side netting with the goal gaping.
Stoke boss Mark Robins praised his matchwinner Thomas and admitted Wrexham pushed his side hard.
“The goal probably typified the game because it was a bit scruffy at times, but we don’t care, Sorba won’t care,” said Robins.
“I think it’s just reward for his performance again. I’m really pleased with the three points.”
He added: “You’re playing against a side that’s obviously got a lot of momentum behind them, a lot of support and some good players.
“They’re managed well. Phil (Parkinson) has done incredibly well with the promotions he’s had and continues to do well. So they’re a tough team to play against.”
Oxford United arrive in north Wales on Wednesday night fresh from ending their own winless run with a 1–0 victory over Derby County.
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