Phil Parkinson has claimed that his Wrexham side’s loss to Tranmere Rovers is not season-defining as the Welsh side still have a lot to play for.
Wrexham were considered one of the favourites for the League Two title at the start of the season, coming off the back of a record-breaking National League title win. However, they have lost ground on leaders Mansfield Town and sit equal on points with Stockport County, who have played two fewer games than Phil Parkinson’s side.
Wrexham’s lacklustre defeat at the hands of Tranmere Rovers
With just a handful of games remaining this season, the pressure is on Parkinson to keep his side in the automatic promotion spots as sides such as MK Dons and Crewe Alexandra look to take advantage of any missteps. A defeat, therefore, at the hands of Nigel Adkins’ mid-table Tranmere Rovers was the last thing a promotion-hunting side needed. Not only did it present an opportunity for the sides below to gain ground, but it also piled more pressure on a manager who has garnered significant criticism from sections of the fanbase.
Tranmere Rovers achieved victory and took all three points in a 1-0 win, despite having much less possession (44.7%), and significantly fewer shots(seven to Wrexham’s 25). A crowd of 12, 519 fans watched on as Wrexham failed to create many clear-cut chances, and the few that they did find were wasted. Luke Norris popped up with the only goal early into the game and despite utilising the attacking talents of Paul Mullin, Steven Fletcher and later Ollie Palmer, they failed to find the equaliser.
What did Phil Parkinson say about the defeat?
Parkinson, speaking to Leader Live after the game played down the impact of the defeat, claiming that there is time for his side to still achieve their goal of League One football next season.
“We have got to reflect on this,”
“There’s so much to play for. This isn’t a defining defeat although it was a local derby and we know what it means not only to our supporters but players and staff as well.
“But it is not a season-defining defeat.
“We are in a strong position and we have got to dust ourselves down, and get ready to go again at Grimsby next week.”
Tempers frayed following the final whistle and a melee involving players from both teams ensued but Parkinson didn’t witness anything.
“I had gone down the tunnel,”
“Someone mentioned it to me but I was actually unaware of it until then.
“I don’t know whether the referee had gone down the tunnel as well at the time.
“It is something you don’t want to happen but emotions were running high.”
Will this defeat derail Wrexham’s hopes of automatic promotion?
No. However, it has opened the door slightly to those below them. At this stage of the season, every point counts and even the slightest slip-up will be celebrated by the chasing pack like a victory for their side. They next face a Grimsby side, who have their objectives to put some distance between themselves and the relegation battle after David Artell has improved his side’s form. Whilst on paper it is third against 21st, it has the capability of presenting a significant banana skin. Should they fail to take all three points against the Mariners… then there may be trouble.