Phil Parkinson is aiming to continue our unbeaten run in Sky Bet League Two when the Red Dragons take on Forest Green Rovers tomorrow afternoon.
After back-to-back cup fixtures, Parkinson’s men reached the Third Round of the Emirates FA Cup but suffered a narrow defeat in the Bristol Street Motors Trophy.
Tomorrow provides a different test, against an FGR side who have had a disappointing start to the campaign.
They were relegated from Sky Bet League One last season and currently sit in the drop zone on 15 points.
Ahead of what they can expect from the contest, Parkinson explained they are aware of the potential challenges to come.
He said: “They haven’t had a great start to the season and they are a team that flips between two different systems.
“They play four at the back with a box in midfield or sometimes with a three. It’s one of those days where we have made the lads aware of the systems they could play.
“We will make sure we are ready to get on the front foot and it’s another different stadium for us to visit. We want to set ourselves up for the next two home games to come.”
The two ties offered the chance for the Red Dragons to progress in two very different competitions, but both with importance to the Club.
The Emirates FA Cup needs no explanation, but the Bristol Street Motors Trophy gave much-valued minutes to players in the squad.
Sunday saw yet another accomplished performance by Parkinson’s men, with Ollie Palmer, Andy Cannon, and Sam Dalby setting up a date with Shrewsbury Town.
Tuesday resulted in a narrow defeat against higher-ranked Burton Albion; however, the Wrexham boss was happy with the week’s work.
He said: “We’re pleased to progress in the FA Cup, it was a professional performance and there were a lot of good elements to the game.
“On Tuesday, I thought the physical output of our work was outstanding.
“When we got the data back later that night and the following morning, we got exactly what we wanted from the game.
“The lads that played have got great preparation for what lies ahead because we always want to win and that’s what we set out to do.”
The last time the Red Dragons featured in Sky Bet League Two action was at Harrogate Town when the two sides played out a 2-2 draw.
It didn’t pass without incident as Arthur Okonkwo went off injured due to a whack on the jaw, which subsequently required surgery.
Mark Howard replaced the Arsenal loanee and started in the following fixture in the FA Cup last weekend.
Despite the injury update on Tuesday, Parkinson went on to confirm that Okonkwo’s operation has now taken place.
He said: “Arthur has had his operation, and it was very successful.
“Mark is a good goalkeeper, and so is Luke. They are both very capable of playing as we have already seen this season and in previous seasons with Mark.”
The fixture at The New Lawn will be the first time the two Clubs have met since 2017 and will be our third game in six days.
Following those fixtures and the four in tent days to make up the festive schedule, the squad will be more important than ever.
Speaking on the importance of player recovery, Parkinson said: “The aim is to try and get a few of those injured players back in contention for the December period.
“We need a few of those players back and the medical team is working exceptionally hard with those lads.
“The squad strength is a key route for us to be successful this season and we need a few of those players back for what is a busy December.”