Phil Parkinson hails ‘important point’ after steely defensive display

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson was pleased with a draw at promotion favourites Mansfield, hailing his team’s defensive qualities.

He said: “Mansfield are obviously a good side and we had to stand strong in that first half.

“Our quality let us down on the ball, we weren’t quite slick enough in possession. There are reasons for that or credit to the opposition, who were really right on top of the game.

“When you’re not at your best you then have to stand strong and our keeper made some great saves and we got some great blocks in.

“We defended set plays as well to get us in 0-0 at half-time with a great chance to go on and win the game. We had to stay in the game.

“Second half I thought we showed a lot more quality in our play while still showing the steeliness we needed in our defending.

“In the second half we had the best chances to win the game. We restricted them to shots from distance really.

“Mansfield have been tipped for promotion for the last few years and that was a really important point for us tonight.”

Unbeaten

Mansfield boss Nigel Clough was left proud but frustrated after his in-form side were held by promotion rivals Wrexham.

Now the only unbeaten side in the country, the Stags battered the visitors in the first half and twice hit the woodwork amid a string of chances, but Wrexham weathered the storm and had chances to win it in an improved second half.

“Playing one of the best sides in the league I thought we were absolutely magnificent from start to finish,” said Clough.

“I hope the fans enjoyed it even though it was a 0-0.

“We just didn’t get a break – I think we hit both posts.

“Especially first half, with the chances we created, we just needed one of them to go in. It wasn’t for the lack of trying. We couldn’t have done any more to win it.

“Sometimes we can’t control the result. We can only control the performance and the way we want to play.

“Then it’s a bit in the lap of the gods if you get a break or not or someone is good enough on the day to get you a finish. I thought one goal would have been enough tonight.”

Wrexham were penned back for almost the whole of the first half and Davis Keillor-Dunn hit a post while Ollie Clarke also saw goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo turn his low finish onto the woodwork.

Keillor-Dunn sent a six-yard header at the keeper, while Aaron Lewis shot over from 12 yards.

After the break, Ollie Palmer, Aaron Hayden and James McClean all went close to a winner for the visitors, while James Gale and Keillor-Dunn almost won it for Mansfield.