On the back of the FA Cup heroics, Phil Parkinson’s men displayed a gritty performance to come from behind to beat Bromley.
Parkinson revealed in his post-match interview that the fiscal data for the players was the highest this season and so a free-flowing display with high pressing football could not be expected for 90 minutes.
Bromley’s successful performances against the top teams away from home would have therefore been a cause for concern paired with the freshness of Parkinson’s men.
Wrexham were able to dig deep though in what was ‘as big a win as we’ve had all season.’
Luke Young has received plaudits throughout this year’s campaign for his consistently high performances and dogged pressing, and so the fact that he was able to perform to the same standard is a testament to our captain.
Around the 80-minute mark, Young sensed danger when Aaron Hayden contested a header midway inside the Wrexham half. Young began his sprint back towards the Wrexham goal to prevent Ben Krauhaus from getting a shot off with a clever shoulder barge, as the substitute was played through on goal. A game like this needed this exact type of dedication.
Credit must be given to Parkinson for his tactical change in the 70th minute. After seeing the game go nowhere for 25 minutes, the five man Wrexham defence was reduced to four and a third striker in Sam Dalby was added to the field.
It was the other substitution that sent Wrexham into the lead though, as James Jones’ deflected effort managed to beat Reice Charles-Cook, who had a brilliant game in net for the Ravens.
Post-match, Jones stated the importance of shooting low as ‘you never know what can happen.’ The value of the strike in such a tight game cannot be disputed, and especially remarkable as it was his first touch. The ball was arguably going to nestle into the bottom corner without the deflection anyway.
The three points couldn’t have been achieved without some excellent saves from Mark Howard too, who helped to delay the scoring of Bromley for as long as possible.
The Ravens certainly did their best to pressure Wrexham in the first half. A lucky goal in terms of the deflection off Jude Arthurs, with the ball falling on a plate for Corey Whitely, but deserved.
The ability of Wrexham to strike back instantly, even when not performing as well as they can, is a great attribute to the side. Paul Mullin’s goal on the stroke of half-time may have been via the penalty spot, but it was crucial in lightening the demand for what was to come in the second half.
In years gone by, Wrexham would have failed to pick up three points in this fixture. But there is a belief in the squad that their quality can carry them over the line, whether they’re playing their best football or not.
Notts County’s draw at home to Boreham Wood also made this victory just that bit sweeter. Wrexham now only trail by three points to the league leaders with two games in hand.
This adds to the sentiment that cup games like against Coventry City aren’t a distraction, but an opportunity to extend the winning mindset of a team.
Parkinson did state that he will be making eleven changes for the FA Trophy contest against Altrincham on Friday though, as a large section of the squad need a rest.