Phil Parkinson Praises Wrexham’s Response As Wolves Draw Completes Encouraging Week

Phil Parkinson praised his players’ commitment after Wrexham followed their victory over Middlesbrough with a hard-earned 1-1 draw against Wolves, completing an encouraging week at the Racecourse Ground.

Lewis O’Brien cancelled out Adam Armstrong’s opener as the hosts collected another valuable Championship point. While Wrexham needed to withstand pressure after the interval, they also had an opportunity to secure victory through Kieffer Moore.

After the disappointment at Sheffield United, Parkinson’s players had delivered consecutive results against strong opposition and gave the long-serving manager the reaction he asked for.

Speaking to Wrexham’s official website, Parkinson said: “After the defeat in Sheffield, to go toe-to-toe with Middlesbrough and Wolves and to come out with four points – we have to be pleased with that,” he admitted.

“We asked the lads for one almighty effort today. It was always going to be tough to completely match the levels from Wednesday night but there were times where I don’t think we were far away from them.

“You can have the meetings after the game at Sheffield, and you can put the work in on the training ground, but then it’s up to the players when they cross the white line to put that into practice, and show how much they care about the Club.

“Caring about the Club is running and tackling, we know that, but also concentrating on doing the role you’ve been asked to do with and without the ball.

“In terms of the honesty of the team, I thought that was ten out of ten today.”

The Wrexham manager explained that discussions and training-ground work following the Sheffield United defeat would only matter if the players translated them into performances. He felt they had accepted that responsibility, and they certainly showed it by securing four points from two games that looked on paper to be games that might struggle to collect one in.

Armstrong put Wolves ahead in the 25th minute, meeting Nasser Djiga’s long pass with a composed finish beyond Anthony Patterson.

Wrexham’s response was immediate. Issa Kabore supplied the cross, and O’Brien headed past Jose Sa two minutes later, leaving the visitors little chance to build on their advantage.

O’Brien subsequently threatened again before half-time, forcing Sa into a save, while Ollie Rathbone also sent an effort narrowly wide.

After the break, the balance shifted towards Wolves. Patterson became increasingly important, denying Fer Lopez’s header and dealing with a long-range effort from Tommy Doyle as the visitors searched for a winner.

Yet Moore’s close-range opportunity reminded everyone that Wrexham could still have taken all three points. His effort slipped wide, leaving the home side to protect the draw as Wolves kept pushing.

Parkinson recognised the fatigue in his team’s second-half performance but was pleased they stayed competitive. Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney also contributed to the occasion. Parkinson described their visits as a boost for those working throughout the club, highlighting the support they provide for players and staff.

“It’s always very uplifting, I feel, for the people who work at the club, the staff and the players when Rob and Ryan come over.”

Wrexham now enter the international break with something positive to build upon. Parkinson confirmed that his players would receive some time off before preparations begin for the trip to Lincoln on November 21.

“I’m glad the break is only two weeks, like I’m sure all of the other managers are too! For us, it’s about getting Windass, Broady and O’Hare available now. That’s the key.

“There will be a few days off, but we’ve always stressed to the players, you have to earn those days off. I think they have earned it with their last two performances.

“We have to make sure we have a real hunger and determination about the group.

“Now, come on, it’s a chance to get some work in the lads who need to work and build on what we’ve done this week.” Parkinson told Wrexham’s website.