Wrexham’s manager Phil Parkinson expressed that he felt «proud» after his squad celebrated his 250th match in charge with a 2-1 victory at Derby.
Parkinson marked a fourth consecutive win as the Welsh team closed in on the Championship playoff positions, now just one point away.
Wrexham began as a team in fine form and could have netted twice before Sam Smith scored decisively from close range in the 25th minute.
Ben Brereton-Diaz equalized from just inside the box eight minutes later, but Matty James’ fantastic goal from outside the area in the 48th minute sealed the match.
«Reaching 250 at any club makes me very proud, as management is tough, yet I truly enjoy my tenure here,» Parkinson stated.
«We have wonderful owners, and every single day is enjoyable. It’s always fantastic to celebrate milestones with a victory.»
«There has been significant expectation, but I have found the journey enjoyable so far as I work with terrific individuals—not just the staff but the owners, and we are developing another dressing room this year.»
«We’ve always taken pride in establishing that dressing room correctly, and we are constructing another one with real strength and unity.
«It’s a fantastic win for us today. I’m thrilled with our performance. I believe we started the match very well, creating three outstanding chances to score before we finally netted our goal.»
«We agreed that we had 45 minutes to complete this segment of games and needed to give our all to finish on a high note, which we achieved with a superb goal from Matty James.»
For Derby’s head coach John Eustace, it was a frustrating day following the home victory over Middlesbrough on New Year’s Day.
«I had anticipated that in the second half we would at least avoid losing, but the manner in which we lost was disappointing due to a few poor decisions,» he remarked.
«This group of players will always fight until the end, which is all I demand from any team—to exhibit that commitment and determination, and we certainly showed that.
«I believe we’ve made tremendous progress since our arrival; having this number of points at this stage is very encouraging, and this group of players has been tremendous—they are learning and developing consistently.»
«We are facing teams with strong squads, and we are competing with them head-to-head, but sometimes that lack of quality may cost us, yet that desire and heart will carry us far.»
Wrexham’s next encounter is on Jan. 9, when they will take on Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup third round.
Information from PA was utilized in this report.
