Wrexham respond to adversity in best way possible
[Getty Images] By the final minutes of a two-hour window on Saturday, the play-off pendulum swung back towards Wrexham. The Red Dragons' top six hopes are still not fully under their own control, although their 2-0 triumph over Stoke City coupled with Hull City's 1-1 draw against Birmingham City gently creaked the door back open for Phil Parkinson's troops. Having conceded first in each of their past five league games, Wrexham controlled proceedings against the Potters and never looked like not keeping a first clean sheet in six games.
In the midst of the noise and pressure of the play-off push, the hosts played with the kind of composure and calmness that could yet be the springboard to elevating themselves back into the top six over the final stages of the regular season. Understanding the importance of the occasion, Parkinson took risks, the most notable of which saw Danny Ward start in place of Arthur Okonkwo. The Wales international did not have a single shot to save and commanded his box well throughout in addition to being comfortable with the ball at his feet.
Dom Hyam, Sam Smith and Josh Windass all returned and played their part in a comfortable Wrexham win - particularly the latter who is continuing to spearhead his side's bid to return to the play-off places. As a result of the win against Mark Robins' men, Opta's predictor model now gives Wrexham a 19. 98% chance of securing a top six finish.
So still outsiders, but not exactly a 5,000-1 Leicester City 2015-16 Premier League title win either. Should they emerge victorious against relegation-threatened Oxford United at Kassam Stadium on Tuesday night (19:45 BST), that percentage will increase further. CEO Michael Williamson highlighted in his matchday programme notes that the club should feel proud with the way they have challenged for promotion once again this term, something Parkinson himself has echoed of late.
The manager has also been keen to force others in the play-off race to get themselves over the line, rather than affording them the chance to stumble over it. But after their display and result against Stoke, the experienced boss will no doubt be quietly oozing the kind of confidence and belief that has been the core to each of his side's three promotions in the past three years as his side bid for more victories over the remainder of the run-in.