Watford goal closed difficult chapter for Rathbone

[Getty Images] Ollie Rathbone says his last-gasp equaliser for Wrexham against Watford last season helped end a difficult period in his career. The attacking midfielder scored within a minute of coming off the bench to salvage a 2-2 draw with the Hornets in December. It was Rathbone's first league outing of the season after he missed several months of action due to a serious ankle injury sustained during pre-season. "It was definitely a huge moment in my season, and in my career really," he said of his strike against Watford. "It's definitely one that I look back on because I could closed the chapter on a difficult period and then I kicked on from there. "So, I look back on that with fond memories." Phil Parkinson's side host Watford at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday (15:00 BST) in the club's first home game of the 2026-27 season. Rathbone will be seeking a third consecutive start having played from the outset against Middlesbrough in the EFL Cup and then at Cardiff City in Wrexham's Championship opener on Monday. The 29-year-old feels he is well placed to show his best form this season given his struggles last term. "To see how much further forward I am than last year, it's chalk and cheese really," added Rathbone, who scored eight goals in 30 appearances across all competitions last season. "I'm delighted because I think it did really hold me back, especially at the start of last year. "You don't really understand how big and important pre-season is until you miss it. "When I came back into the fold, I just felt really far behind and it took me a while to catch up. "But I feel really good and really excited for the season ahead. "As you're progressing your career and you're getting a bit older, you kind of learn what works for you and what doesn't. I think I've found that balance now."