Wrexham's Championship hopes took a hit on Wednesday as they dropped to third place, and out of the automatic promotion places, in the League One table after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat to Barnsley at the STōK Cae Ras.

The Welsh club's defeat and Birmingham City's 1-1 draw with Stockport County meant Wycombe Wanderers' narrow victory Exeter City saw them rise to the top of the League One table. Birmingham, who count legendary NFL quarterback Tom Brady as a minority investor, have one game in hand over the new league leaders.

Wrexham were behind after 11 minutes when Davis Keillor-Dunn cut inside and curled a shot into the far corner after he was picked out by a switch of play from midfielder Adam Phillips.

Phillips got on the scoresheet himself 12 minutes later when he bent a shot beyond Wrexham's 38-year-old goalkeeper Adam Phillips.

The home side were much improved after the half-time break as they searched for a way back into the match.

Steven Fletcher went close four minutes after the interval when he forced a save from Barnsley goalkeeper Ben Killip. Fletcher was denied again on the hour mark when Corey O'Keeffe blocked the Wrexham forward's goal-bound effort on the line.

George Dobson saw an effort rebound off the crossbar in the 65th minute after being picked out by a fine cross from James McLean. 

Max Cleworth handed Wrexham a lifeline when he struck a loose ball beyond Killip with 10 minutes remaining, but the Welsh club could not find a late equaliser. 

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's side face Peterborough United in their next fixture on Saturday.