Wrexham’s promotion hopes experienced a setback on Saturday as they succumbed to a 1-0 defeat to Tranmere Rovers at the STōK Cae Ras.

The League Two club, owned by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, had been expected to beat their cross-border rivals but a combination of wasteful finishing and a heroic goalkeeping perfomance from Tranmere’s Luke McGee meant the away side left Wales with all three points.

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Phil Parkinson’s team, who were unbeaten in their last four games coming into Saturday’s clash, were behind early when Luke Norris controlled Regan Hendry’s ball forward before finishing beyond Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

Luke Young almost produced an instant reply for the home team but his powerful effort from range was saved by McGee.

The Tranmere goalkeeper proved vital in keeping his team in front at half-time as he parried away Ryan Barnett’s 16th-minute strike and denied Elliot Lee on two separate occasions before the interval.

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Lee had another chance to bring Wrexham level in the opening minutes of the second half, but the midfielder inexplicably miscued his shot from inside the six-yard box.

Parkinson made a triple substitution in the 65th minute as he attempted to influence events on the pitch and it almost produced an equaliser when Sam Dalby, who had been introduced in place of Steven Fletcher, headed Barnett’s cross narrowly wide of the post.

McGee produced another heroic save in the closing stages to again deny the unfortunate Lee as the goalkeeper tipped his looping effort over the crossbar. 

The home side were able to manufacture one last sight of goal but Jordan Davies’ driven shot from outside the penalty area flew inches wide of the post.

Wrexham, who remain third in the League Two table and in possession of the final automatic promotion spot, have had their points total (67) matched by fourth-placed MK Dons who beat Crewe Alexandra 3-1 on Saturday.