Wrexham

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Wrexham go to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday (19:45 GMT) with Eoghan O'Connell insisting Phil Parkinson's squad will savour another end-of-season promotion race.

Wrexham are just two points outside League One's top two with 13 third-tier games remaining in 2024-25.

Having played a part in the Welsh club's promotions in the previous two campaigns, defender O'Connell believes Parkinson's team are well placed to push for a place in the Championship.

"I think we are in a good position," the 29-year-old said.

"We know we enjoy this part of the season and we are really excited for the run-in.

"There is still a long way to go, a lot of twists and turns, and I think how you deal with that, how you remain calm, is a sign of how good a team you are.

"We have had the two promotions, that stands you in good stead going into games that are so important."

Wrexham, who are third in the table, go in search of a fourth successive away league victory as they take on fifth-placed Huddersfield, who are four points behind the Dragons having played one game more.

The Terriers triumphed at Stevenage on Saturday – a third victory in their past four away fixtures – but have failed to win in their past six home matches and have scored only two goals at the John Smith's Stadium during that dispiriting run.

"At this stage of the season you really just have to look after yourselves and try to win the next game," added former Charlton player O'Connell.

"Obviously Huddersfield are always going to be a good team in this league. We had a tough game at home against them and I have no doubt it will be the same on Tuesday.

"But we'll be ready. We are relishing these games and this run."

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James McClean and Elliot Lee could be in contention for returns to Phil Parkinson's starting side when Wrexham go to Huddersfield Town on Tuesday (19:45 GMT).

McClean (pictured above), 35, has not played since 18 February because of a hip issue but was back on the bench for Saturday's goalless draw with Bolton Wanderers.

Lee, 30, came off the bench against Wanderers – as he did in the EFL Trophy last week – but could make Parkinson's 11 for the first time since being involved in a road traffic collision last month.

On McClean's fitness, Wrexham assistant boss Steve Parkin said: "He is a lot better.

"He has had two or three really tough days where his groin and his hip have been sore, but then he has really settled and had a couple of good training sessions.

"I am sure he will be in the frame for selection for Tuesday night."

Like McClean, Lee offers experience and quality to a Wrexham side looking to secure a third successive promotion this spring.

The Dragons are third in League One, two points behind second-placed Wycombe Wanderers with 13 third-tier games apiece remaining.

"We have got Elliot Lee coming back which is important after his terrible road accident, which is another bonus," Parkin added.

"So we are strong and we will make sure we are ready and raring to go."

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Phil Parkinson admits Elliot Lee's early return to action has been a "bonus" given the recent injury blow to Andy Cannon.

The 30-year-old was not included in Wrexham's matchday squads for the recent League One fixtures with Northampton Town, Leyton Orient and Mansfield Town, after he was involved in a road traffic collision following his side's 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers in the EFL Trophy on 11 February.

Lee, however, was a substitute in the semi-final contest with Peterborough United on Wednesday night, replacing goal scorer George Dobson in the second half against the Posh as Parkinson's men were beaten 4-2 in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw in regular time.

And Parkinson was particularly pleased to have Lee back in his squad following the news that midfielder Cannon is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering an ACL injury,

"I'm frustrated for Andy, I really feel for Andy Cannon because he's a great lad," said Parkinson.

"But Elliot coming back is a bonus because that is probably a little bit earlier than we anticipated so now we'll look to pick the team for the weekend which is ready to go and get us another win."

Wrexham face Parkinson's former side Bolton Wanderers at the Stok Racecourse on Saturday lunchtime (12:30 GMT).

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Phil Parkinson says Wrexham have no one to blame but themselves for failing to capitalise on a 2-0 lead as they were dumped out of the EFL Trophy at the semi-final stage by Peterborough United.

First half goals from Mo Faal and George Dobson appeared destined to have booked the Red Dragons a place in the Wembley final against Birmingham City in April.

But Malik Mothersille and Bradley Ihionvien netted in the second half for Posh - the latter in the first minute of added time - to send the tie to a penalty shootout which Darren Ferguson's side won 4-2 at the Stok Racecourse.

"We've thrown away a chance to go to Wembley as far as I'm concerned," Parkinson said.

"We were comfortable in the game, 2-0 up and made a lot of changes, I thought the lads did well.

"Two really poor goals to concede. Moments in the game of concentration and seeing the game through, particularly the second one.

"From a game which looked so comfortable for us, to end up not going to Wembley is very difficult to take for us all, but we've got no one else to blame but ourselves."

Despite the significant setback, Wrexham remain well placed to challenge for a third successive promotion.

They currently sit third in League One and are just three points adrift of the play-off places ahead of Saturday's fixture with Parkinson's former side Bolton Wanderers in north Wales (12:30 GMT kick-off).

"We've said before every round that the league is our number one priority, and it always has been, but when you get so close, we want to finish the job off," he added.

"We've done well in this tournament throughout this season, but now we've got to focus on the league and learn from tonight."

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Wrexham midfielder George Dobson is dreaming of playing at Wembley for the first time in his career.

Wrexham host Peterborough in the in the Semi-Final of the EFL trophy on Wednesday, 26 February (19:30 GMT) with the winner set to play Birmingham in the final.

'I've never played at Wembley, there's many boys that haven't it would be a wonderful occasion," Dobson said.

"It's huge motivation for the whole group to go out and put a strong performance in and give ourselves the best chance at being there."

The Posh progressed through the last eight of the competition with a 3-2 victory over Cheltenham Town at London Road.

Both teams are coming into the game off the back of wins in the league and Dobson is expecting a stern test.

"They had a great win at Huddersfield they'll be high on confidence, it'll be a great occasion knowing the the carrot at the end, hopefully we come out on top," Dobson added.

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Former Wrexham goalkeeper Rob Lainton has joined National League play-off hopefuls Altrincham.

Lainton, 35, has been without a club since being released by Wrexham last summer after playing almost 150 games during six years with the north Wales side.

The former Bury and Port Vale player joins an Altrincham side who are currently seventh in the fifth tier.

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Wrexham's Harry Ashfield will be looking to make his dream a reality on Wednesday as the Red Dragons host Peterborough United in the Vertu Trophy semi-final with a Wembley final awaiting the winner.

Ashfield, 18, has made an impression for his hometown club in the competition this season, netting his first senior goal in the round of 16 during a 4-1 win over Port Vale.

"It was the best moment of my life scoring for the club I've loved and I've dreamed of it since I was young," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"Coming home and seeing my mum excited that I had scored and seeing my dad proud, it was a good moment."

Ashfield made his Wrexham debut in the same competition last season, coming in a 3-0 win at Crewe Alexandra.

He has built on that in this campaign, but still remembers his debut fondly.

"It was an exciting day to get on the pitch for my boyhood team," Ashfield said.

"It meant everything to me. It was my dream to come on for the team that I love and all my family support.

"They loved it as well, they go to all the games, so it was a very proud moment for us. I've been a Wrexham fan since I was a little kid, so it was amazing.

"It means everything to me. I love coming out and playing at the Racecourse when I can. I just want to keep working hard and see if I can get out there more.

"I'm very grateful [to Phil Parkinson]. He's a great manager and looks after the young lads. I'm just grateful for the opportunity to play for my club."

Standing between Wrexham and a place in the final are Peterborough United, who currently sit 20th in League One.

The Posh progressed through the last eight of the competition with a 3-2 victory over Cheltenham Town at London Road.

"It'll be a tough challenge," Ashfield added. "It's a semi-final, so both teams will be very up for it.

"We want to give our best on the pitch and see if we can get to Wembley.

"It'd be massive. Even the best footballers, some of them don't get to play at Wembley, so to do that in my first professional year would be unbelievable."

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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.

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Manager Phil Parkinson says he will be utilising Wrexham's squad as they face three games in a space of a week.

Wrexham lost 2-1 to Leyton Orient in midweek - their second successive home league defeat of the season.

Parkinson's side are at Mansfield Town in League One on Sunday, host Peterborough in the EFL Trophy semi-final on Wednesday and Bolton Wanderers are visitors in the league next Saturday.

"Everybody in the squad is capable of coming into the team and playing," Parkinson said.

"Everybody can make a contribution and everybody's going to be needed in this run.

"I think it's important for the lads not to get too disappointed if they don't play or are not involved because that's the nature of the squad.

"We've got a lot of options and we're going to assess everything, like we always do, on a day-to-day basis."

Parkinson, following the home defeat to Leyton Orient, suggested League One was "as strong as its ever been."

"We've got to make sure we play like a top end League One team to win games," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"There were traits in our game on Tuesday of a team from a lower division.

"We've shown this season that we can compete at the top end of this division.

"But you obviously need players at the peak of their game and individually and collectively for the performance to be better.

"[League One] is very competitive every game – we've had to progress very quickly as a club and standards have to be high every week to win games.

"Interestingly for us in the Orient game our physical data for running was our highest of the season.

"So it wasn't a physical, more making the right decisions on the ball at times and working angles quicker so we could play forward and be more progressive in our play.

"You can't be at 70-80% and three quarters of the players not quite where they're meant to be or you don't get results.

"We need to now take a deep breath and go into this week knowing we're going to be changing the team around."

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Wrexham forward Elliot Lee has resumed training but will not feature against Mansfield Town in League One on Sunday, says manager Phil Parkinson.

Lee was involved in a road traffic collision on his return home after helping Wrexham beat Bolton Wanderers 1-0 in the EFL Trophy on 11 February.

The 30-year-old missed Wrexham's last two games after suffering bruising to his ribs in the incident, which Parkinson says left the player "very shaken up".

"Elliot was back on the grass this morning, running," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"I think the weekend will be too early for him but it's just good to have him back out there.

"Obviously we were concerned about Elliot and the trauma of the crash etc. The last couple of days he's felt better and he's been back with the lads doing the warm-up on the training pitch.

"It's a great lift for everybody to see him back out there."

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Wycombe Wanderers striker Sam Vokes has backed Phil Parkinson's suggestion that League One is as strong as it has ever been.

Wrexham boss Parkinson made the claim after seeing his side lose at home to Leyton Orient in midweek.

That defeat leaves Wrexham third in the table, five points behind second-placed Wycombe as they prepare for a trip to Mansfield Town on Sunday.

Veteran ex-Wales international Vokes, who made his first Wycombe appearance since August last weekend, says the style of football has changed in the third tier.

"The way football is moving in general, I think the quality that's dripping down the levels is so high," he told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"You only have to go back a few years and you see a lot more teams going back to front more.

"I am not saying [changing] that improves football necessarily, but it improves the standard of players playing at that level because of the way teams are playing out from the back. It's very much a more tactical game than physical game in League One now.

"You look at the money spent by the Wrexhams, the Huddersfields and the Birminghams. The transfer fees being asked for at this level now are huge."

Wrexham are in need of a boost at Mansfield having lost four of their past eight league games.

Wycombe, meanwhile, are at home to Wgan on Saturday having lost only once since the turn of the year.

"I think everyone in the top half really back themselves for a run to get into the play-offs," Vokes added.

"Teams at the bottom are picking up points too, so I would definitely agree it's a strong league this year."

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Waynne Phillips says it "seems a little crazy" that Paul Mullin cannot make Wrexham's bench as the Dragons look to maintain their push for automatic promotion to the Championship.

Mullin was a star of Wrexham's rise from the National League to the third tier, scoring 72 goals across two campaigns as Phil Parkinson's men claimed successive promotions.

But the 30-year-old striker has had far less impact in League One, scoring only three third-tier goals so far this term.

Mullin was once again missing from Parkinson's 18-man squad as Wrexham were beaten at home by Leyton Orient on Tuesday.

The former Cambridge player has not featured since Wrexham signed fellow forwards Jay Rodriguez and Sam Smith at the back end of the mid-season transfer window.

Rodriguez and Smith started against Orient, with Steven Fletcher and Jack Marriott coming off the bench as Mullin missed out along with the likes of Ollie Palmer and Mo Faal.

"For me there's something not right - to not have Paul Mullin in and around the squad seems a little bit crazy," former Wrexham midfielder Phillips told BBC Radio Wales.

"But Phil Parkinson is the manager. He has done particularly well for Wrexham over the last two or three seasons and you have to accept that he is the man who picks the side."

Phillips felt Parkinson's men could have no complaints after the Orient loss, Wrexham's second in succession on their own patch.

While Wrexham have progressed in the EFL trophy – and won League One games at Crawley and Northampton this month – they go to Mansfield Town on Sunday having lost four of their past eight third-tier games.

The dip in form means Wrexham, in third, are five points adrift of second-placed Wycombe Wanderers in the table with 15 league games to play.

"There have been a couple of wins which have taken them into the semi-final of the EFL Trophy, but automatic promotion is what they are after and they cannot afford to have this bad run at this stage in the season," Phillips added.

"The last thing Wrexham want going into the last 10 games is to be under big pressure. There are 15 games to go, a lot of points to play for, but they need to pull themselves out of the form they are in at the moment."

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Phil Parkinson says there is plenty of time for Wrexham to put things right after losing back-to-back league games at the Stok Racecourse for the first time in his Wrexham reign.

Leyton Orient came from behind to surprise Wrexham after Ollie Rathbone (pictured below) had put Parkinson's team ahead in front of their own fans on Tuesday night.

The result came after defeat to Stevenage in the previous League One outing at home – Wrexham's first loss on their own patch all season.

While there was an EFL Trophy quarter-final win over Bolton in between, Wrexham have not lost successive home league games since April 2021, two months after the club's Hollywood takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney and shortly before Parkinson was named manager.

Wrexham, who were at that stage managed by Dean Keates, lost to Torquay and Stockport to lose ground in the National League play-off chase.

Four years on, Wrexham are chasing promotion to the Championship, but have seen a five-point gap open up between themselves and second-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

With leaders Birmingham City 11 points clear of the Red Dragons with two games in hand, many fans are eyeing up a battle for the other automatic promotion spot with the Chairboys.

The two hopefuls will face each other next month during a hectic run of games for Parkinson, who has twice won promotion as a manager from the third tier.

He said: "Like everybody you look at the results – as on Saturday when we won and they (Wycombe) had drawn – but there's other teams in the mix.

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"The division is as strong as its ever been. It's not just me saying it, every manager you come up against speaks about the strength of the division.

"The teams down the bottom improve, teams like Orient make some good signings and get better.

"We've done brilliantly to be where we are, we really have, but we're not happy with it – we want to build on it from now until the end of the season.

"There is a lot of football to be played and we have to focus on ourselves, that's all we can control."

Wrexham's have 15 league games remaining, starting with a trip to Mansfield on Sunday.

They will go in search of a third away league win in a row having had some difficulties on the road this term.

"We're disappointed but we have to move on quickly and we'll go to Mansfield looking for a more consistent performance," Parkinson added.

"Games are coming quickly so we have the chance to put it right."

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Sam Smith is looking to learn from new strike partner and fellow Wrexham new boy Jay Rodriguez.

Smith and former England international Rodriguez joined the League One promotion chasers during the January transfer window.

"He's a quality player – he's a clever player," Smith said of former Burnley and West Brom forward Rodriguez.

"We're just trying to build a relationship as quickly as we can.

"It's difficult coming in halfway through the season and not having much time to train or work on things.

"I ask him questions all the time because he's obviously a great player with a great career. The quicker I can learn off him and improve my own game, the better for the team."

Smith scored his first goal for Wrexham in last Saturday's 2-0 win at Northampton Town, which kept them in the promotion hunt in third.

He latched on to goalkeeper Mark Howard's long ball to hit Wrexham's opener in the 19th minute.

"It's a special moment and probably a moment I will never forget," Smith said.

"More importantly it was a good performance and three points.

"Hopefully I can keep contributing and help pushing for promotion. Every performance now is important."

Smith joined Wrexham from League One rivals Reading for an undisclosed fee.

The 26-year-old said he was excited by the Wrexham "project", though he had mixed feelings on leaving a club where he was in his second spell having originally come through the academy.

"It was difficult leaving Reading with my association there and what the club meant to me," Smith added.

"But it was a difficult period for the club there and I got told a bid had been accepted and the club needed the money to keep the club going."

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Wrexham midfielder Ollie Rathbone says he is pleased with his goal return for the club so far this season.

Rathbone scored Wrexham's second goal in Saturday's 2-0 win at Northampton, his fourth this season.

The midfielder, who joined Wrexham from Rotherham United last July, said: "It was something I really wanted to add to my game.

"It's something I've wanted to improve because I knew I had it in me.

"I've probably just put more emphasis on it and I've really tried working on it in training so my confidence is up.

"I think the competition for places makes it hugely important – all the other midfielders are chipping in with goals so it's important I keep doing that.

"I'm really glad to be contributing goals and assists and helping the team ultimately."

Rathbone hopes Wrexham can make a winning home league return when they host Leyton Orient on Tuesday evening.

Wrexham are unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions but lost their last home league fixture at the Stok Racecourse 3-2 to Stevenage at the end of January.

It was Wrexham's first league loss at home this season.

"It was really disappointing but if you'd have said at the start of the season that in February we'd lost only one league game at home then we'd have taken it," Rathbone said.

"It was really important we bounced back against Bolton [in the EFL Trophy] and then we'll hope to carry on our winning run on Tuesday.

"They're [Leyton Orient] in play-off contention and on a brilliant run since the start of the year and we won't take them lightly."