Billy Barr’s chances of getting the managerial job at Wrexham always hinged on his results. Disadvantaged by not being a new start as a result of his membership of Andy Morrell’s coaching team, he looked like a bit of a long shot to me. However, he had one crucial thing in his favour: as the man in possession, he could force himself to the top of the queue by virtue of a string of good results. After the stirring performance at Hereford that looked a possibility, but two games later,it looks like that opportunity to grab the initiative might prove to be the factor which fatally damages his chances.

Barr’s record now stands at one win, one draw and two defeats. He can point to a squad which needs restocking and argue he deserves a chance to do the necessary Summer shop, but it’s unlikely to wash. Sadly, you suspect that time is running out on his chances of succeeding his erstwhile boss.

Losing 3-0 at Braintree doesn’t look pretty. They shouldn’t be underestimated or patronised, but it’s still a result which will draw opprobrium from the fans, who’ll look at the scoreline and feel humiliated. Since Morrell went we’ve taken two nasty away beatings, and we’ve failed to score in five of our last six games. All of a sudden the end of the season can’t come soon enough.

Not that circumstances have been fair to Barr. Losing Danny Livesey at half time can’t help; the goal we conceded in the first half was the only time the Livesey-Wright combination has let one in during the 235 minutes they’ve played together. But the board aren’t likely to tale such matter into account.

Wrexham(4-4-2): Coughlin; Tomassen, Livesey (Artell 46), Wright, Ashton; Carrington, Harris (Reynolds 75), Keates, Hunt (Ogleby 57); Anyinsah, Ormerod. Unused subs: