The boss shares his thoughts after securing back-to-back victories
In his 150th game in command, Phil Parkinson was thrilled with the way his team defeated Notts County and earned a double. The deciding factor was Steven Fletcher’s spectacular first-half finish, which also marked Parkinson’s 94th victory as manager. With the ever-present Macaulay Langstaff and Jodi Jones, Notts have been clinical in front of goal both at home and away prior to the match.
That was not to be the case, though, as the Red Dragons defence marshalled them admirably and earned their first clean sheet in five games this afternoon. Parkinson said it was a real Wrexham performance, a victory based on discipline and resolve.
I’m very pleased, it was a hard game, and we know that Notts are a good side,” he declared. It was an excellent game, in my opinion, and a great promotion for the division.
We displayed a variety of aspects of our game. We had to exercise discipline when without the ball, even though we didn’t look very dangerous at moments in the first half. I thought we played a fantastic first half, and we improved in the first twenty minutes of the second half.
“Obviously, we wanted that next goal, and when we didn’t get it, we knew Notts would be reckless, so we had to adopt that disciplined mentality. I thought the boys played really well today; it was a great victory for us and a real shift. Parkinson started Paul Mullin, James Jones, and Ryan Barnett in the starting lineup, three changes from the team that defeated Sutton United on Tuesday night. Barnett’s crosses were crucial in restricting the Pies’ defence and contributing to Wrexham’s offensive threat.
Fletcher’s goal came from his cross, as he leaped into the air and fired the ball into the upper corner. With a game remaining, Wrexham’s triumph moved them three points clear of league leaders Stockport County and back into the automatic promotion spots. Regarding the triumph and their offensive influence, the Wrexham manager praised the team’s overall effort. I told the boys that Cameron would be a centre defender on the left, facing Barney, if they switched to a back four. I encouraged them to pass the ball to Barney, who excels in those kinds of scenarios. There is no one else you want in the first or second half, and he produced some really good stuff in both
“He poses such a threat when it comes to him. Though I’m happy for him, Fletch and Mulls are more valuable members of the team.
It takes five yards of work and attention to detail to know when to press against a team with that level of technical skill, and Fletch and Mulls both know how to do that. Every defensive effort begins at the front, but overall, it was a day where everyone had to perform their duties. When the time came, we achieved the goal with a concentrated and focused approach.”
