Stoke City 1-0 Wrexham: Thomas strike ends Potters’ winless run at Wrexham’s expense

There had been the sense Wrexham had been steadily finding their feet in the Championship going into the international window.

Without a defeat in four, there had been growing signs of the summer rebuild starting to take shape as a side.

Conversely, after an eye-catching start, Stoke had slipped a little, dropping points, dropping down the table – and only scoring twice in their four games without success.

It was evident early who had benefited from the break.

Wrexham looked lethargic and inaccurate with passes, with Lewis O’Brien – one of Parkinson’s best performers this term – uncharacteristically sloppy.

With Issa Kabore contained, they lacked the ability to get up the pitch quickly enough – and when they did were guilty of unforced errors.

Stoke, on the other hand, were comfortable taking their time in possession and waiting for opportunities against deep-sitting opposition.

Several came through the avenue of Thomas, who looks to be loving life in the season, he has looked a player reborn with club and country.

Before the game, statisticians had labelled him the Championship’s most creative player in terms of chances and goal creations. He can notch another one to that tally, whether it was meant for the back of the net or not.

The irony will not be lost on Wrexham fans who saw the Wales winger deliver via his international team-mate’s boot, nor will his celebrations have gone down well with the travelling contingent from north Wales.

Stoke’s support, on the other hand, lapped it up. It had been ponderous at times from the Potters, but that breakthrough – albeit a lucky one – eased tension in a 27,254-crowd.

And the frustration will have been all Phil Parkinson’s, who will have known his side were authors of their own downfall with several individuals guilty of poor performances.

While Mark Robins will hope that the win lifts them back up the table and boosts confidence levels about a first real promotion push since relegation from the Premier League seven years ago, while Parkinson might take solace from the fact his side are capable of more.