'Phenomenal return' - Parkinson praises Cleworth goals

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has paid tribute to Max Cleworth's finishing ability after the defender scored his seventh goal of the season at Mansfield on Sunday.

Cleworth drilled home from 20 yards to secure a 2-1 win at the One Call Stadium.

The 22-year-old is now Wrexham's joint leading league scorer with forward Elliott Lee.

"It's a phenomenal return, he's a great finisher," said Parkinson.

"Max, Eoghan [O'Connell] and Tom [O'Connor] were great today, not just the defending but the way they stepped in with the ball and started our attacks.

"They were progressive with their play and it made a huge difference for us."

In January Parkinson hailed Cleworth's "class" after his defensive performance against the "best striker in the division" in Birmingham's Jay Stansfield.

And the Welsh defender is equally comfortable whether stopping or scoring goals.

"I'm just happy to help the team, whether that's goals, clean sheets or making tackles," said Cleworth.

"It's nice to be in a good goal scoring form, I caught it quite sweet but I should have scored a goal before that."

Wrexham host Peterborough in the EFL Trophy semi-finals on Wednesday.