Phil Parkinson answers questions about how resilient his Wrexham side is after a late, dramatic victory.
Wrexham AFC pulled off a dramatic 2-1 win over Southampton at the STōK Cae Ras, ending the visitors’ five-game unbeaten run in the Championship thanks to a late own goal by Keven Schlotterbeck.
Wrexham came into the game after a heavy away defeat to West Ham last Friday night as the Hammers saw off their Welsh visitors 6-0. Phil Parkinson also came into the fixture with many questions about his long-term future. However, Parkinson and his Wrexham side showed the resilience they are well known for and answered some of those concerns.
Parkinson said: "It feels amazing. I'd like to thank our supporters because the reception they gave me meant a lot. They were incredible today.
“It was a proper atmosphere in the ground, and that's what it's all about. The staff, the owners, the players and the supporters, everyone is linked together.
"After the defeat, the focus was on how we move forward and improve. The staff and everyone around the club were fully on board with that."
Parkinson gave an injury update on Ollie Rathbone and Danny Imray Jr., who both missed out on the matchday squad. "Ollie Rathbone landed awkwardly. It's nothing serious, but it was enough to keep him out today. Danny's hamstring tightened up in training, so we didn't want to take any risks with him."
Kieffer Moore put Phil Parkinson’s team ahead in the first half, but former Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse levelled the score soon after halftime. The match looked set for a draw until Jacques Ekomié turned a cross into the Southampton net in the 88th minute.
Parkinson revealed: "Kieffer was brilliant for us today. I think that's his third goal now and he's had some excellent games. We've got some great players in the team, and he gives us that edge, whether it's from set-pieces or diagonal balls into the box.
"The delivery from Ben [Whiteman] was excellent, and the header was a great finish. The second goal was pleasing as well. Jacques [Ekomie] sprinted the length of the pitch and Callum [O’Hare] was there to help it over the line. I was really pleased with the goals today."
"Jacques is also exactly what we want. His heart is in the right place, and he was one of the players leading the charge today.
"He was up against some very good players, but one thing you'll never get from Jacques is a lack of effort. He gives absolutely everything for the team."
The result showed Wrexham’s resilience after Ward-Prowse’s equaliser nearly swung the momentum to Southampton. Parkinson’s team kept pushing for a winner and got their reward for late pressure, enjoying several strong periods and creating enough opportunities to earn at least a point.
Today’s important victory sends the Red Dragons into the international break with valuable momentum and three points to build upon, with Wrexham now up to 14th in the EFL Championship table. Parkinson's side have ten points from the opening eight fixtures.
"The players who have played a lot of minutes can get some rest, the injured lads can continue their recovery, and as staff we have to make sure we're ready when we come back.
"I do think it can be a catalyst [The result]. A lot of our performances this season have been very good, including some of the draws, but everybody needed a lift today.
"That was a gritty Wrexham performance. Our team has to reflect the town and the supporters, and I think everybody saw that out there today."
Wrexham will return from the international break with a demanding run of Championship fixtures, beginning away to Derby County at Pride Park on Saturday, October 10.
Phil Parkinson’s side then face two important home matches in quick succession, welcoming West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday, October 13, before Preston North End visit the STōK Cae Ras four days later.
The Championship schedule remains ruthless and unrelenting, with consecutive away trips to Blackburn Rovers on October 24 and Sheffield United on October 30. This five-game sequence could prove vital for Wrexham, offering an opportunity to build early momentum and strengthen their position in the Championship table after Saturday’s victory over a previously unbeaten Southampton side.
Wrexham AFC: Patterson (GK), Doyle, Ekomié, Hyam (C), Whiteman, Windass (O’Brien 86), Kaboré, O’Hare, Sheaf (M. James 65), Moore (Smith 72), Vyner.
Subs not used: Ward, Worrall, Cadamarteri, Dobson, A. James, Longman.
Southampton: Peretz, Manning, Downes (C), Scienza (Edozie 46), Larin (Mubama 86), Azaz, Schlotterbeck, Bree (Dobbin, 90+3), Wood, Matsuki (Fellows 76), Ward-Prowse.
Subs not used: Long, Stephens, Abbott, Bragg, Welington.
Attendance: 10,543
