Wrexham's Parkinson wants Racecourse rocking for Mansfield test

Wrexham have won seven of their 13 League One fixtures so far this season

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says he is relishing returning to home soil against Mansfield Town following last weekend's FA Cup first round defeat against Harrogate Town.

Wrexham, who are third in League One and remain unbeaten at home this season, face a Mansfield side who are fourth and just one point behind the Dragons.

Saturday's fixture (12:30 GMT) at the Stok Racecourse comes just six days after Parkinson's men were beaten 1-0 by League Two side Harrogate in the FA Cup.

"Both teams have got good momentum, it’s going to be a great game and I’m looking forward to it," Parkinson said.

"We’ve had some tough games against Mansfield over the last year or so. I’m looking forward to coming up against Nigel [Clough] and his team.

"They’ve made some really good signings like we have so it’s going to be a competitive keenly fought game."

Mansfield’s key summer signings include former Newport County forward Will Evans, scorer of five league goals this season, and top scorer Lee Gregory who already has seven goals to his name.

And Parkinson admits he's wary of the threats the duo possess.

"Both have done well, Gregory has good movement around the box which has been the hallmark of his career and we need to work dealing with that," explained the Wrexham boss.

"But we’ve got good defenders and we look forward to playing against good players in any division."

Wrexham were unbeaten in their three meetings with the Stags last season.

Parkinson's men won 2-0 at the Stok Racecourse in March while goals from Sam Dalby and Paul Mullin earned the Dragons victory in the FA Cup - the other game being drawn 0-0.

And Parkinson admits he's excited about the opportunity to play in front of a raucous home crowd against familiar opponents.

"I’m looking forward to getting back on home turf again," added Parkinson.

"The great thing there’s always a buzz about the build up to a home game, there really is.

"You can feel it in the area so we’ve got to get this place absolutely rocking for the weekend."