Wrexham

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Phil Parkinson says Wrexham remain well placed to challenge for a third successive promotion despite a minor setback at Cambridge United on Tuesday night.

The Red Dragons could only manage a 2-2 draw against the side that sit second from bottom in League One.

But after Wycombe Wanderers were held to a goalless draw by bottom side Shrewsbury Town on the same night, Wrexham stay second in the table - three points ahead of the Chairboys who have a game in hand.

And despite his frustration towards referee Thomas Parsons for his decision to award Cambridge a penalty early in the second half, Parkinson took comfort from Wrexham's league position.

"We're 40 games in and we're in second place so we're not doing too badly, are we?" he said.

"Performance level, the process for each game, like we speak about with the lads, keep concentrating on that and we won't be far away."

Midfielder George Dobson fired the visitors in front after just four minutes at the Abbey Stadium.

Liam Bennett equalised just before half time, with Josh Stokes' penalty shortly after the restart putting Neil Harris' side ahead.

But striker Sam Smith's header on 57 minutes ensured the points were shared.

On Dobson's strike, Parkinson said: "Brilliant finish, absolutely fantastic strike. A midfielder's finish, low and hard from the edge of the box."

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Phil Parkinson says Wrexham will have to "fight tooth and nail" to maintain their impressive away form at Cambridge United as they look to take another step towards automatic promotion.

Wrexham travel to Cledara Abbey Stadium on Tuesday (19.45 BST) with Cambridge second-bottom of League One and 11 points from safety.

But Parkinson says the Red Dragons will have to work hard for a win as they bid to extend their advantage over Wycombe, who are currently three points below them in third with a game in hand.

"Cambridge will still believe they can put a run together, and we've got to be ready to fight tooth and nail like we did at Exeter," said the Wrexham boss.

"Headers, tackles, defending our box well. All of those things give you a platform to win games. We did it brilliantly, and we've got to do it again on Tuesday night."

Saturday's victory at St James Park was Wrexham's seventh from their last eight games on the road.

It kept them second in League One ahead of the match with a Cambridge side managed by former Cardiff City boss Neil Harris.

The U's are winless in the last six games, though Parkinson will no doubt remind his team they did take points off Wrexham in a 2-2 draw at the Stok Racecourse in December.

"Neil Harris has gone back there [as head coach] and they've had a change of director of football so there will probably be a different feel to their team, but we'll make sure we have a good look at them," said Parkinson.

"Each game you take in its own entity. Exeter was a completely different game to Stockport - a different system to come up against, different style of play, different strengths and weaknesses.

"Our focus has to be on that. When we come away from the game, did we tick the boxes we speak about in training?

"The answer was yes at Exeter...so can we do it again on Tuesday?

"There's no let up. If you feel you can win a game at 75 per cent, you can come unstuck. Everyone's got to be focussed, prepared to run the hard yards and put bodies on the line around both boxes."

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Wrexham goalscorer Ollie Rathbone says they will not take their winning run – or their opponents – for granted as they look to close in on league One promotion.

Rathbone opened the scoring for Phil Parkinson's side as they sealed a 2-0 success at Exeter, Jay Rodriguez adding a second from the spot in the north Wales side's third win in a row and fifth in six games.

Wrexham have also on an impressive away run, with the victory at St James Park their seventh from their last eight games on the road.

Having stayed in second spot, they now face a midweek trip to relegation-threatened Cambridge United on Tuesday.

After drawing with Northampton, the U's are 11 points from safety with seven fixtures remaining, but Rathbone said: "We can't take any team for granted. In this division, if you're not at 100% and you're not closing down, anyone can look a good player.

"We will prepare for it as if we were playing a team second in the table or if it was a cup final , we'll prepare the same to try and win.

"It's the club's first season back in League One and a lot of people would have taken top half, so to be where we are it's all down to the hard work we've put in. We want to keep it going, keep focusing on every game and see where it takes us."

Rathbone, 28, scored his sixth goal of the campaign in the win, with manager Parkinson hoping the former Rotherham man will be credited with the strike despite a deflection off a Grecians defender.

It is his career-best return in a single season, and he said: "It's been a good run and something I've tried to improve on. I'm getting chances; today was a bit fortunate but I am still getting chances and I'm confident I'll get goals."

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Phil Parkinson said watching Jay Rodriguez in training proved why he was right to keep the former Burnley striker on penalty duty.

Rodriguez, 35, thumped home a 60th-minute spot-kick to wrap up Wrexham's 2-0 win at Exeter City, a result that kept them in the League One automatic promotion places.

It was Rodriguez's second goal since making the switch to north Wales in the January transfer window – and his second in as many games after breaking his duck in last week's win over Stockport County.

The Stockport goal also came following a Rodriguez spot-kick, but only after he saw his initial effort saved and struck on the rebound.

The once-capped England frontman called last weekend's missed penalty the worst of his career.

But he remained on spot-kick duties at St James Park after Parkinson kept a close eye on the veteran as they prepared for the Exeter trip.

The Wrexham boss said: "There was no hesitation from me. He's an experienced player who's been at the top level. It was great for him to get his goal last week.

"There was a few taking penalties in training on Friday and I watched them closely. He was very confident and I was confident in him stepping up today."

Rodriguez slammed the ball home in front of the 900 travelling Wrexham fans as the Welsh club claimed a first win which came by more than a one-goal margin since beating Northampton six weeks ago.

Wrexham had won four of their past five games by a 1-0 scoreline having won 16 games by a single goal – the most in the division.

With Rodriguez adding to Rathbone's 23rd-minute opener, Parkinson said: "We did speak about it at half-time; Exeter would have the wind with them, attacking that noisy terrace.

"But we didn't sit back, we took the game to them with some really good play – and a second goal makes it more comfortable on the touchline and for our supporters."

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Wrexham are in "good shape" as they go into the final eight games of the League One season.

The Dragons currently occupy the second automatic promotion spot after crucial back-to-back wins over rivals Wycombe Wanderers and Stockport County.

"There's a good understanding of what's required within the group and everyone's pulling together," manager Phil Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"We're ready and eight big games coming up. The lads are in good shape."

Wrexham were 3-0 winners over Saturday's opponents Exeter City when the sides met at the Stok Racecourse in November.

Exeter are unbeaten in their last six league games and Parkinson is expecting a tough test against Gary Caldwell's men.

"The Exeter challenge is another interesting one," Parkinson added.

"They've had an upturn in form recently but we got down there in really good spirits.

"They had a period where they were getting drawn into the relegation battle – the recent form has given them a bit of breathing space."

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The League One promotion race is getting interesting - and especially for Wrexham as they aim to return to the second tier for the first time in 43 years.

Ahead of Saturday's trip to Exeter City, we asked you who will be a key player for manager Phil Parkinson in the final eight fixtures of the season.

Here's a selection of your responses.

Jay - Much as I like [Sam] Smith, [Jay] Rodriguez has got to step up. Whoever partners Smith for the rest of the season is going to be the key player, because he can't play on his own.

Graham - This Wrexham team are built around a strong defensive set-up who leak very few goals. This will be the foundation of any success this season coupled with the ability to wear sides down before bringing [Steven] Fletcher on to finish them off.

David - The growing impact of the January signings - [Ryan] Longman, Rodriguez, and Smith - will trigger attacking synergy with [Ollie] Rathbone, [Matty] James and [Elliot] Lee. Goals will flow more easily and confidence will spread. Key man: perhaps surprisingly, Rodriguez.

Mike – It's goals that will get us up and Smith is the boy to do it. Also the experience of [Eoghan] O'Connell at the back.

Mitch - We still have Elliot Lee still coming back into the team. Think he could have an impact in the run-in.

Paul - With eight games left, results are the key not performances. Scoring has been the problem all year, which has meant the defence have been critical. O'Connell has been crucial leading the defence and was definitely man of the match on Saturday. Clean sheets will see us pinch games and Smith will be the man to do that.

David - Wrexham have a slightly easier run in than Wycombe. Sam Smith is crucial. Would like [Paul] Mullin to be involved.

Ollie – All players will play their part. Arthur [Okonkwo] will make some saves, Sam will score some goals, Macca (James McClean) will put some crosses in, Ollie will not stop running. Every player has played their part this season and I can't see it stopping.

Chris - If the players keep putting in a shift anything is possible. As with any team new signings take time to fit in and disrupted the rhythm of the team. Okonkwo has found his best form but needs to impose himself more.

Mike - The back three and keeper just need to keep doing what they're doing. Midfield hasn't really functioned all season along with left-wingback and the strikers, but we seem to find enough somehow when it matters. If we don't get second I suspect we've not enough for the intensity of the play-offs. Big rebuild required in the summer if we don't go up.

Fearless in Devotion - Arthur Okonkwo is key. He's coming into his own once again and showing why he was highly thought of at Arsenal. Then you've got player-of-the-season contender Ollie Rathbone. If he's on song, then the entire side usually are. Grossly underrated but an absolute Rolls Royce of a midfielder. Back to back to back olé olé? It's ON.

Rob - Jimmy McClean - his never-say-die attitude and what he brings to the team.

Stephen - Smith is the man that will keep the Wrexham fight going.

Andy - Rathbone has the engine to keep going for 90 mins non-stop. He's the key to automatic promotion.

Dai - Mullin has just shown his class in a reserve match, Parkinson needs to include him in the next matchday squad or at least tell the fans why he is frozen out.

Ashley - We've got the experience of doing it back to back, think we will go up again now. Think we have an easier run in than Wycombe. Rathbone and Smith the key men.

Ian - Sam Smith is our main striker now and the most likely to score important goals during the run-in. Rathbone is player of the season for me and brings energy like nobody else. Eight big games from O'Connell in defence would give us a great chance of promotion.

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There are just eight games to go in the League One promotion race - and Wrexham's Championship dream is very much alive.

Phil Parkinson's side head to Exeter City on Saturday having jumped ahead of Wycombe Wanderers into the automatic spots, albeit having played a game more.

Saturday's 1-0 win over Stockport sees Wrexham with the chance of a third successive promotion in their own hands.

Yet - even with a run of fixtures against sides in the lower-half of the table - it will still need some of Parkinson's squad to make their quality count when it matters most.

But who will be the key player in these final six weeks of the season?

Will it be record-signing Sam Smith, or striker partner Jay Rodriguez who broke his Wrexham duck with the winner at the weekend?

Is the experience and engine of skipper James McClean what's needed most now, or the goalkeeping heroics of Arthur Okonkwo?

Summer arrival Ollie Rathbone was man of the match against Stockport, but will one of the previous year's stars such as Steve Fletcher or even Paul Mullin make all the difference to returning to the second-tier?

Wrexham fans can have your say by sending your views here., external

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Phil Parkinson says he did not consider dropping January signing Jay Rodriguez before the striker broke his goal duck against Stockport County.

The veteran forward, 35, netted his first Wrexham goal on his 11th appearance for the club as the Red Dragons move back into second in League One with victory over Dave Challinor's side.

And Parkinson believes Rodriguez's influence has grown since he moved to the Stok Racecourse from Championship high-flyers Burnley in January.

"With Jay, he's had a long period of coming off the bench at Burnley," he said.

"We can sense he's getting fitter and stronger all the time. When you go from being a sub to playing Saturday-Tuesday-Saturday-Tuesday, it's tough.

"But he gives us a lot. We left him out of the cup game to give him a breather that week.

"But with this week's training, I felt he was looking really sharp and ready. It's brilliant for him."

Rodriguez has started 10 successive league matches for Wrexham, with fellow winter window arrival Sam Smith also being handed a prominent role since moving to north Wales.

And Parkinson feels the reaction of his Wrexham players to Rodriguez's goal against Stockport typified how grateful they are for the forward's efforts.

"His physical output is the highest on the pitch which is extraordinary really," added Parkinson.

"That's the level you've got to get to to be a Premier League and Championship player.

"His intelligence, the positions he takes up in and out of possession has helped the team a lot. But of course, everyone wants to get those moments.

"The reaction of the lads when he scored tells you everything."

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Phil Parkinson says he does not believe it is a two-horse race between Wrexham and Wycombe Wanderers for second place in League One this season.

The Red Dragons earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Stockport County on Saturday to rise above the Chairboys into the second and final automatic promotion spot in the third tier, although Wycombe have a game in hand.

With Charlton Athletic - like fifth-placed Stockport - suffering defeat at the weekend, Wrexham and Wycombe have a slightly larger gap between themselves and the chasing pack when it comes to the quest for a top two place this season.

But Parkinson said it would be a "dangerous mindset" to assume only two sides remain in the mix to join leaders Birmingham City in the top two come the end of the campaign.

"For quite a while people have been saying it's a two-horse race," he said. "I don't buy into that at all.

"It's a dangerous mindset to have, writing other teams off. Charlton have been on a brilliant run, they've come unstuck today."

Wrexham are now eight points above Charlton and nine clear of Stockport - with all three sides having eight games still to play.

"Us beating Stockport just opens that gap between us," added Parkinson.

"I'm just going to keep concentrating on ourselves and see if we can win enough games to keep us in that top two."

Wrexham are nine points behind leaders Birmingham, with the table-topping side also having two games in hand.

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Waynne Phillips hopes Jay Rodriguez can embark on a goal-scoring run over the final stages of the campaign after netting his first goal for Wrexham against Stockport County.

After seeing his penalty saved by Corey Addai, the striker fired into the net from the rebound to earn Phil Parkinson's men a 1-0 victory over Dave Challinor's side at the Stok Racecourse.

It was the striker's first goal on his 11th appearance since joining from Burnley during the January transfer window, and former Wrexham midfielder Phillips hopes the 35-year-old can now have a big impact over the final eight games of the season.

"I'm so happy for him," Phillips told BBC Radio Cymru.

"The longer he goes without a goal, I'm sure it'll play on his mind.

"It wasn't the best penalty but he was lucky that the ball fell back to him and he finished it well. 

"He could go on a run now and score four or five before the end of the season. That's what we hope for and that Wrexham keep on winning games."

Wrexham rose above Wycombe Wanderers, who have a game in hand, into second place in the League One table courtesy of what was a fourth 1-0 victory in five games.

And while the performance against Stockport was far from perfect, Phillips says winning was all that matters for Wrexham.

"It looks very good (the table)," he added. "A win for Wrexham was all that was needed today.

"Stockport losing and Charlton losing heavily at Peterborough, so it's starting to look like it's between Wrexham and Wycombe for second place. 

"It was important to follow-up last weekend's win at Wycombe against Stockport today and that's exactly what Wrexham have done.

"There'll be no complaints tonight, everyone's gone home happy and there are only eight left now."

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Jay Rodriguez admits it was a "relief" to finally get off the mark for Wrexham despite his goal coming immediately after one of the "worst penalties" he has taken in his career.

The veteran striker, 35, netted his first goal on his 11th appearance since moving to north Wales from Burnley in January.

But even ending his goal drought was not without concern as Rodriguez saw his penalty saved by Stockport County goalkeeper Corey Addai in the meeting between the sides at the Stok Racecourse on Saturday.

Fortunately for Rodriguez, he was alert to guide the rebound into the net from a tight angle as Wrexham secured another vital 1-0 win in their quest for a third successive promotion.

"The main thing is the three points, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't thinking about getting the goal," said Rodriguez.

"It's a nice relief. I've always said to myself that if I continue to work hard, keep improving in every training session, do my finishing and keep knuckling down, hopefully it'll come good.

"I've always had that belief, it's done good for me throughout my career so I won't change now. Hopefully I can get on a run and help the team."

On his spot-kick, Rodriguez said: "I think it's probably one of the worst penalties I've ever taken to be honest, it was meant to go higher than that and into the corner.

"But fortunately it bounced for me and I finished it. Hopefully if I do take another one it'll go straight in."

Victory lifted Wrexham back above Wycombe Wanderers into second place in League One, although the Chairboys, who are three points behind the Welsh side, have a game in hand.

Rodriguez says he was grateful for his transfer to north Wales in the opening month of the year as the club continues to aim for the upper echelons of the football pyramid.

"You have to dream big otherwise there's no point in turning up every day and working hard. The best place to be is in the Premier League," added the forward.

"We've got eight really important games now. You can't look too far ahead but you can dream, but you have to take care of business.

"It's really admirable that the club's been from where it's been to be where it is now and it's still pushing now, it's something I'm really proud to be a part of.

"It's a big thing for me to leave my hometown club Burnley, it had to be a really big project, and obviously Wrexham is a massive project.

"To be asked to come along, I'm grateful for the opportunity. It had to be a big thing, and it was a good situation for all."

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Wrexham Women will play their upcoming home Adran Premier fixture with Briton Ferry Llansawel at the Stok Racecourse.

Steve Dale's side travel to Old Road to face the south Wales side on 23 March before hosting the same opposition in north Wales a week later (14:00 GMT).

Wrexham are bidding to continue their impressive run of form, with Dale's outfit winning their past seven matches in succession across all competitions.

They booked their place in the Bute Energy Welsh Cup final for the second year running with a 4-0 win against Pontypridd United on Sunday.

Wrexham currently sit third in the Adran Premier, four points adrift of Briton Ferry with four league matches of the season remaining.

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Iwan Roberts says Wrexham provided a "brilliant" response to their defeat at Reading by beating Wycombe Wanderers.

Having lost 2-0 to the Royals four days earlier, Phil Parkinson's men defeated the Chairboys at Adams Park courtesy of Sam Smith's 78th minute goal on Saturday.

Victory lifted Wrexham above Wycombe into second in League One, although Mike Dodds' side could return to the automatic promotion places by beating Rotherham United in their game in hand on Tuesday night (19:45 GMT).

"It wasn't a classic. You could see that the two teams, not under pressure, but there were nerves out on the pitch because it was such a big game for both sides," Roberts told BBC Radio Cymru Dros Frecwast.

"But what a goal to win it from Sam Smith.

"Of course there was a long delay due to a medical emergency with a Wrexham fan, and we had a delay of almost an hour before the players came back out after hearing the fan was in a stable condition.

"Wycombe had a chance right after the restart that was cleared off the line by George Dobson and then within seconds Sam Smith scores.

"But it's so close (in the table). Wycombe play tomorrow night, they're at Rotherham so they've got a chance to go second again.

"Charlton are only five points behind Wrexham and Stockport only six points behind, but it was a brilliant result after they had lost 2-0 at Reading."

Wrexham return to action against fifth-placed Stockport County at the Stok Racecourse on Saturday (15:00 GMT).