Phil Parkinson said Wrexham produced a performance their supporters, staff and owners could identify with as they beat Championship leaders Middlesbrough 2-0 at the Racecourse Ground. Second-half goals from George Thomason and Ollie Rathbone ended Boro’s 11-match unbeaten league run.
The victory came five days after Wrexham’s lacklustre display in a 1-0 loss to Sheffield United. Parkinson said his priority was seeing commitment and honesty from his side, adding that Wrexham were not getting carried away despite upsetting a strong opponent.
The manager also paid tribute to his father, who has been unwell in recent weeks and watched the match from Stockton-on-Tees. Parkinson said he was pleased the result would lift his father and that he looked forward to speaking with him after the game.
Parkinson confirmed that Sam Smith will miss the remainder of the campaign after sustaining a cruciate injury late in the defeat at Sheffield United. The striker is due to have surgery next Wednesday and is expected to be out for nine months.
Wrexham have several other players sidelined, including Josh Windass, Nathan Broadhead, Liberato Cacace and Callum O’Hare. Parkinson said the squad had dealt with setbacks before and would need to respond, adding that he would not accept players feeling sorry for themselves after the Sheffield United defeat.
Sources: BBC Sport.