Ian Evatt was disappointed not to take maximum points after feeling Wanderers did enough to collect a first home league win of the season, writes Pete Oliver.
The Whites kicked off their Toughsheet Community Stadium campaign with a 0-0 draw against Wrexham.
But Evatt thought his side deserved more after dictating for long periods and then seeing a late penalty appeal turned down for an apparent pull on Ricardo Almeida Santos.
The Wanderers’ boss said: “I thought we had a lot of control. We started the game really fast and had some good chances to score and then second-half we had opportunities and chances we didn't take.
“I do think it was a penalty at the end. I think that's a clear shirt pull. Everyone in the stadium could see it and we didn't get it. If you look at the stats I think we had nearly 70% possession, eight on target and 11 shots in all.
![Ian Evatt subs Wrexham](https://cdn.bwfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/shutterstock_editorial_14642520cj.jpg)
“The pleasing thing for me was the clean sheet. They're a team that creates a lot of chances and put you under pressure, so keeping a clean sheet was positive and limiting them to very little and shots from distance.
“I thought we defended set-plays really well, so there are positives to take. It’s just a frustration from me that we didn't win the game because I thought we deserved to.
“There were times where our last bit of detail - whether it be a cross or a pass - was missing. It will sharpen up in the weeks to come but we did create enough to win the game.
“There were lots of positives to take against a team that are supposed to be there or thereabouts, hopefully like us, this season. We saw the way they celebrated a draw at the end so that shows the reputation we are carrying. We just have to keep getting better and we will do we will keep improving.
“I was largely pleased with the performance but disappointed because it does feel like two points dropped.”
![Arfield fans applause Wrexham](https://cdn.bwfc.co.uk/sites/default/files/2024-08/shutterstock_editorial_14642520dv.jpg)
The draw extends Wanderers’ unbeaten start to three games and made it four points from six as they opened their home account in their League One challenge in front of a crowd of 25,957 – a new post-Premier League best.
“It’s great that we’ve had that atmosphere,” added Evatt. “I thought both sets of fans created a really good atmosphere. I think it was incredible at times and I’m just disappointed we didn’t win it.
“I thought we were the team which was trying to win the game, trying to create chances and we did create some we didn't take.
“I think we've responded and bounced back really positively from the disappointment of last season. I think the squad is better than last season and I think you're going to see us improve as we go and we get these players up to speed.
“I’m pleased with the unbeaten start but also slightly disappointed that we feel it's two points dropped.”
Watch the manager’s full post-match interview of Wanderers TV HERE