Wrexham

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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).

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Sam Smith believes Wrexham's hunger and aggressive nature paved the way for his side's return to winning ways at Wycombe Wanderers.

Phil Parkinson's side saw their four-game winning run away from home in the league come to an end on Tuesday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Reading.

But they responded to that setback at the Select Car Leasing Stadium with a vital 1-0 win at Wycombe - with Smith scoring the only goal of the match at Adams Park.

Victory lifted Wrexham above the Chairboys into second in League One, and Smith lauded strike partner Steven Fletcher for his assist.

"I just know when Fletch comes on, he's a presence. If I can get around him he can create a chance," said Smith.

"I caught it sweet. I think it took a little nick, but it's in the back of the net, that's all that matters.

"It's massive. Everyone was bitterly disappointed on Tuesday night, it wasn't us, it was so far from what we want to be as a team.

"We came here today hungry and aggressive and I think the game plan worked.

"I want to be challenging for promotion and try and chip in with goals and put in good performances and hard work for the team.

"I'm looking forward to the nine massive games, but we'll take each one as it comes."

The match was delayed with the score at 0-0 as a Wrexham supporter needed medical attention.

The fan was later taken to hospital in a stable condition, with Smith netting his third goal since joining Wrexham in January shortly after play resumed.

The 27-year-old celebrated his strike in front of the travelling supporters and made a heart gesture in tribute to the fan.

"The gaffer made a clear point that we're here to play football, but people come to watch and it's what everyone loves," added the forward.

"When something happens like that, it puts things into perspective.

"We've heard he's in a stable condition so everyone's happy about that and I think he'll be delighted when he finds out the result.

"The manager said to go out there and do it for the fans, and I think we did that."

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Andy Morrell says Wrexham cannot afford to lose at Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday (15:00 GMT) - but says the club are currently "well above" where he expected them to be this season.

Phil Parkinson's side were beaten 2-0 at Reading on Tuesday as they missed the chance to rise above Wycombe into second in League One.

But they could move into the automatic promotion spots with victory against the Chairboys, although former Wrexham player and manager Morrell feels the game at Adams Park is a must-not-lose for Parkinson's side.

"They can't lose the game," he told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"They need to take something out of this game.

"Wycombe have got 10 games left after [Wrexham] and six of those are against top-nine teams, so it's very much in our hands.

"We've got to just go there and play. Go and do what they've done all season which has been fantastic and well above where I expected them to be and try and get something out of the game."

Following a hectic schedule of late, Parkinson has suggested he will rotate his squad for the contest with Mike Dodds' outfit.

And Morrell praised Parkinson for the way he has kept his talented squad happy during his tenure in north Wales.

"I think that's his hardest task," added Morrell.

"He's done it brilliantly for the past two-and-a-half years because we've had a really good squad and he keeps adding to it so the depth is crazy.

"You keep everybody happy because the team is winning. They've done ever so well, to be right in contention with 10 games to go, I think everybody would've taken that at the start of the season."

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson acknowledges the challenges of keeping everyone in his squad happy and motivated and insisted everyone has a part to play.

The Dragons are currently third in League One with Saturday's opponents Wycombe Wanderers above them in second spot on goal difference.

Parkinson has said he will utilise his squad for the game with injury doubts over a number of players following the midweek loss at Reading.

The manager said that with fierce competition in the squad some players were going to miss out.

"They're all good lads and they understand. Everybody knows there's a goal that everyone is striving for," Parkinson said.

"We speak to the lads who are not involved a lot and the key to our success over the last few years has been the strength of the group and the characters in that dressing room and this year's no different.

"Whether you play for two minutes, 92 minutes or don't make the squad – everybody's got a part to play in terms of the way they train every day and the way they conduct themselves around the training ground.

"That's really important to us because unfortunately we can only pick 11 players to start and then another seven on the bench and there's nothing we can do about it.

"We make selections with lots of things in mind.

"Some players are in good form and go into the team and others out and that changes as we go along.

"We also look at training as well, who's looking in good form because that counts for a lot."

Parkinson cited the attitude of former club captain Luke Young after the midfielder lost his starting place.

Young, a member of a squad who won back to back promotions along with Paul Mullin and Olly Palmer, left to join Cheltenham Town last summer.

"A couple of years ago I remember closing in on the National League title and Luke Young found himself out of the team – a stalwart of the team," Parkinson added.

"I remember the game we left him out and everybody felt 'Youngy's out of the team' and at the time I felt he needed a bit of a breather.

"Andy Cannon came in and grasped his opportunity and that's what happens during the course of a season.

"Youngy's a great example because as much as he found himself suddenly out of the team he conducted himself brilliantly and played his part – as he did last year.

"That's just the nature of a football squad in the course of a season."

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Wrexham have paid tribute to former goalkeeper Steve Fleet who has died aged 87 after being diagnosed with cancer.

Fleet made 96 competitive first team appearances for Wrexham between 1963 and 1966 after joining from Manchester City.

He signed for Stockport County in 1966 and played a key role in helping the club end the campaign as Division Four champions.

Fleet took up coaching after retiring from professional football and had spells in charge of Icelandic sides IA Akranes and IBV.

A Wrexham statement read: "Everyone at Wrexham AFC send their deepest condolences to his son Wesley and their wider family at this sad time."

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Phil Parkinson admits he may need to rotate his squad for Wrexham's vital League One fixture with Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Red Dragons saw their four-game winning streak away from home in the league come to an end on Tuesday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Reading.

Parkinson has been dealt a number of injury concerns following the game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium prior to this weekend's trip to Adams Park.

Ollie Rathbone, George Dobson, Seb Revan and Ryan Barnett will all be assessed as Wrexham look to leapfrog the Chairboys into second place in League One with victory in Buckinghamshire.

"It's a huge game for us and it was always going to be irrespective of tonight's result [against Reading]," said Parkinson.

"There's a few knocks, Ollie Rathbone played, Dobson wasn't quite right, Seb's twisted his ankle a little bit.

"Barney (Barnett) got clattered towards the end twice which doesn't look too good, so there's several things we need to assess quickly.

"We've just got to pick ourselves up quickly and we will, we'll be ready for action.

"There's a lot to play for. Sometimes things go for you, sometimes they don't but we'll come back ready to respond at the weekend."

Jack Marriott was left out of the matchday squad at Reading, with fellow forward Mo Faal being introduced off the bench late on against Noel Hunt's side.

And Parkinson confirmed after the loss to the Royals that the selection was purely tactical.

"I just thought Mo deserved a chance tonight. I thought he did well when he got on," added Parkinson.

"He's trained really well and he got a goal the last time he started for us.

"I thought [Reading] could be vulnerable from crosses, but we didn't get enough in the box in the first half. It's no more than that."

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has acknowledged his side's 2-0 defeat at Reading was a missed opportunity.

Victory would have seen Parkinson's side move above Wycombe Wanderers – who they face on Saturday - into second spot in League One.

"It was a great opportunity and we haven't taken it," Parkinson said. "That's the harsh reality of it.

"Preparation was good, we came down here ready to give it our all and we came up short. We move on to Wycombe."

Parkinson bemoaned the penalty awarded in the Reading game and says the decision changed the course of the game.

Reading were awarded a penalty early in the second half after Eoghan O'Connell was adjudged to have fouled Jayden Wareham and Harvey Knibbs scored from the spot.

Lewis Wing scored Reading's second seven minutes later to seal victory and deny Wrexham the chance of moving up to second in League One.

"It's one of the softest penalties I've seen for many a year," Parkinson said.

"How he's given that is absolutely incredible. Honestly you've got to see it to believe it.

"Of course we can do better and it's not all about the ref – we've had chances to get back into the game and we haven't taken them.

"But the game changed on that decision.

"Their second goal, the lad's struck it brilliantly, but we can still do better.

"Obviously they got their tails us didn't they and it was an extra energy about them which happens obviously when you get quickfire goals.

"We felt that if we'd have got one we'd get back into the game and we so nearly did."

"It just wasn't to be."

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson could be forced to make changes for Tuesday night's League One game at Reading because of injury worries.

The Red Dragons moved level on points with second placed Wycombe Wanderers with a 1-0 against Rotherham on Saturday, in a game where midfielder Ollie Rathbone and wing-back Ryan Longman suffered fitness concerns.

"Ollie Rathbone cramped up. Hopefully it was just cramp. I wasn't going to take a risk with him because he's been brilliant for us," Parkinson said.

"Ryan Longman was struggling a bit towards the end. But you're always going to get that when the games are coming thick and fast. But I feel we've got the squad to cope with that."

Parkinson does hope to have George Dobson available again for the trip to Reading.

The midfielder suffered an ankle injury in last Tuesday's 1-0 win at Huddersfield, and was not available for selection against Rotherham.

Another option in midfield for Parkinson is George Evans

The 30-year-old made his first league appearance since October against Rotherham on Saturday following ankle surgery earlier on this season.

"We've got to give George credit because he's been unlucky this season.

"He got himself back in the team and then got a bad injury against Stevenage, and he's worked hard."

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Phil Parkinson believes his Wrexham players will fully embrace what promises to be a "mouth-watering" week for the club.

The north Wales side moved level on points with second-placed Wycombe in League One after earning a 1-0 win over Rotherham United on Saturday.

Wrexham face Parkinson's former club Reading in Berkshire tonight (19:45 GMT) before facing Wycombe at Adams Park on Saturday, and the Wrexham boss feels his squad is well placed to continue to deliver in what could be a pivotal week in the club's quest for a third successive promotion.

"It's great going into those games with a home win," said Parkinson.

"These are the weeks you want to be involved in. We've come a long way as a team and a club.

"They're mouth-watering prospects and I want the lads to enjoy it and play like we did at Huddersfield and like we have away from home recently.

"Reading is a great stage to play on and I feel like we've got the players who will go and embrace that."

Parkinson played over 350 games for Reading from 1992-2003, the final club of his playing career.

"I was there 11 years and it's a great club, in a bit of turmoil behind the scenes at the moment which is sad to see, but it's not the only club which goes through those periods.

"I've got a lot of good friends down there and my kids we born in Reading, I lived there for 11 years so I always look forward to going back.

"But my focus is purely on the performance level and getting it as high as we possibly can."

The fixture at the Select Car Leasing Stadium will see Sam Smith return to his former club for the first time since joining Wrexham in January.

Smith netted the winner against Rotherham on Saturday to bag his first home goal for Wrexham having scored in a 2-0 win at Northampton Town in February.

It comes after Smith netted 11 goals for the Royals in the opening half of the campaign and the forward fully expects a tough test against his former employers as Wrexham seek a fifth successive away league victory.

"They're a very good team, young and energetic. They're fighting for the play-offs so they'll be giving everything they've got," he said.

"It's going to be very strange but I'm looking forward to going back.

"Incredible memories, incredible people and an incredible club."

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Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo says he is getting back to his best after the injury that kept him out for two months.

Okonkwo made some key saves to ensure a third clean sheet in a row in Saturday's 1-0 win over Rotherham at the Stok Racecourse.

The 23-year-old former Arsenal trainee is showing the kind of form that earned him plenty of plaudits earlier in the campaign before he broke his wrist in November.

"That was the first serious injury I've had as a professional," he said.

"It's difficult coming back from something like that - you lose consistency and momentum."

Okonkwo now feels he is reaching the levels he showed prior to his injury.

"It's taken a bit of time and I had to take a step back to go forward again, but I'm feeling good now. I'm happy to be back," he added.

"Three clean sheets on the bounce...I'm delighted with that. The manager loves clean sheets and we want to keep as many as possible."

Saturday's shut-out - and Sam Smith's winner - moved Wrexham level on points with second-placed Wycombe Wanderers, with a crunch meeting between the two rivals for League One's second automatic promotion spot looming on Saturday.

Before that weekend trip, Wrexham travel to eighth-placed Reading on Tuesday night, their confidence boosted by a run of four successive away victories.

"Our away form is really good going into these two matches," said Okonkwo.

"We've changed our mentality on the road, and it's good to see us getting wins.

"Reading will be another big challenge. We know how good they are. We'll give it our best and show the same sort of focus [as Saturday]."

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Sam Smith admits it was a "special feeling" to score the matchwinner for Wrexham against Rotherham United on his 27th birthday.

Striker Smith bagged his first home goal for Phil Parkinson's side in the 48th minute at the Stok Racecourse as the hosts claimed another crucial three points in their quest for a third successive promotion.

And the former Reading frontman dedicated the strike against the Millers to his mother as Wrexham moved level on points with second-placed Wycombe Wanderers in League One.

"It's a special feeling, a feeling I won't forget in a long time, especially on my birthday as well, I told my mum I'd get her a goal so she'll be delighted," he explained.

"I think there's more to come with that and myself. More goals, more hard work and just helping the team in every way I possibly can.

"I try to do everything right throughout the week to give me a platform to play well.

"I just rely on the quality of the group that we can create chances, and I back myself to put them away."

Smith and Jay Rodriguez both moved to north Wales in January as Wrexham bolstered their forward options for the run-in.

Such are the riches Parkinson has at his disposal at present, Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Mo Faal all missed out on a place in the matchday squad for the triumph over Rotherham.

But Smith - who has started all seven league matches since joining Wrexham - admits his sole focus remains on ensuring his side claim the victories they need to challenge for promotion.

"There's competition for places but it also shows the quality we've got in the squad," added Smith.

"Everyone's different, everyone can do different things and as long as whoever is playing up front is working hard for the team, it doesn't matter who plays.

"The three points are the biggest thing, and if I'm playing, I'll give it everything I've got."

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Wrexham will aim to restore their stunning early-season home form today as they take on Rotherham United at the Stok Racecourse (15:00 GMT).

The Red Dragons are winless in their past four home League One fixtures having previously been unbeaten across the first 15 league games of the season on their own patch - winning 12 of those.

They take on a Rotherham side locked firmly in mid-table, although the Millers have recovered from a tricky run by beating Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient in their past two outings.

And Phil Parkinson fully expects Steve Evans' side to have "a real go" in north Wales this afternoon.

"They've got some good players, another team similar to Huddersfield, a Championship side last year and they still carry a lot of that squad with them," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"I think they'll come and have a real go, Steve Evans' teams normally do that.

"We feel we're prepared for it, the lads have recovered well. 

"We've got a few decisions to make with the team selection, but we'll work hard as a staff to get them right and keep our momentum going."

Andy Cannon will miss the match having undergone surgery to repair a ruptured ACL this week.

Wrexham will make a late call on George Dobson who suffered an ankle problem during Tuesday night's 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town.

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Rotherham United boss Steve Evans says he does not want to see Wrexham fail as his side prepare to face Phil Parkinson's men at the Stok Racecourse.

Ahead of the reverse fixture between the clubs in October, won 1-0 by Wrexham, Evans described the Welsh side as the "Harlem Globetrotters" of League One while referring to current league leaders Birmingham City as the "Real Madrid" of the third tier.

Since that triumph in South Yorkshire, Wrexham have kept themselves firmly in contention to secure what would be a third successive promotion.

And while Evans previously poked fun at Wrexham, the Scot heaped praise on "good guy" Parkinson ahead of Rotherham's trip to north Wales on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

"I don't want to see them (Wrexham) fail," said Evans.

"I think Phil Parkinson is a good guy and he can't do any more than go and sign the boy [Sam] Smith, [Jay] Rodriguez and Ollie Rathbone from us.

"I would think their budget is way up there, £4m spent in the January window. That tells you the ambition that lies at Wrexham and it tells you a little bit about our challenge [on Saturday] too."

Rotherham have recovered from a tricky spell by securing wins over Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient.

And while he feels Rotherham - currently 14th in the third tier - are very much underdogs, Evans says the Millers will look to dent Wrexham's promotion hopes.

"Our aim is to go and win at Wrexham," he added.

"We know that it's going to be tough. I described them in the same way as I did Birmingham at the start of the season - and now Wycombe have joined that little group in terms of having huge finances to try and play Championship football next season.

"But our sole objective has to be to win every game."

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Wrexham will assess the fitness of George Dobson ahead of the League One fixture against Rotherham United at the Stok Racecourse on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Dobson, 27, was replaced by Elliot Lee just four minutes into the second half of Wrexham's 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday after suffering an ankle injury.

But boss Phil Parkinson has allayed fears over the severity of the issue, adding that the midfielder could yet feature against the Millers.

"Dobbo's gone over on his ankle on Tuesday," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"It didn't look too serious but we'll have a look at that closer to kick-off."

Andy Cannon has undergone surgery this week after rupturing a cruciate ligament during the 2-1 win at Mansfield Town on 23 February.

"Andy had his surgery in London on Wednesday," he added.

"Apparently it went well, I haven't spoken to him yet, I'll speak to him today.

"He stayed in hospital for an extra night. It was just a bit of pain management but I'll touch base with him and we'll get him back up here next week."

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Iwan Roberts says Wrexham must be wishing Steven Fletcher was younger after the former Scotland international's midweek winner at Huddersfield Town.

Fletcher came off the bench to score the only goal at the John Smith's Stadium as Wrexham maintained the pressure on second-placed Wycombe Wanderers in the push for automatic promotion to the Championship.

It was the 37-year-old's seventh goal of the season, making him Wrexham's joint-top scorer in League One this season alongside attacking midfielder Elliot Lee and defender Max Cleworth.

That is despite the fact that just two of Fletcher's 28 league appearances this season have been starts.

"It's just a shame Steven Fletcher isn't four years younger," former Wales striker Roberts told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"Once again he came on, he gets things down, holds the ball up, little touches with the outside of his foot and he is a livewire in the box."

Fletcher came on for another experienced forward, Jay Rodriguez, at Huddersfield.

The former England player is yet to score in six league appearances since joining Wrexham from Burnley in January.

Rodriguez has been playing alongside fellow mid-season signing Sam Smith, who has scored once in his six Wrexham league games to date.

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"They were the two big signings in January, even though Rodriguez came on a free, [he is on] big wages," Roberts added.

"Sam Smith is an absolute workaholic - doesn't give you a minute's peace.

"But it is not quite working for them at the minute. In the first half [at Huddersfield], they seemed to be miles apart, playing like total strangers.

"When you play with five at the back, it gives you a chance to play with two up front. They are just too far apart. They should be between 10 and 15 yards from each other."

The arrivals of Smith and Rodriguez have seen the likes of Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer fall down the pecking order under Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson.

"When you think, he has binned Ollie Palmer," Roberts said.

"I am not saying he is the answer – he's only scored three goals all season. Paul Mullin can't get in the team.

"You have Jack Marriott coming back from his long-term injury. He is still getting up to speed.

"But I guess as long as they are winning games, it doesn't really matter who is scoring."