Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson paid tribute to Steven Fletcher for the “immense” impact he has had after the veteran striker’s goal earned a 1-0 win over Notts County.
Former Scotland international Fletcher’s first-half finish proved decisive at the Racecourse Ground as the Dragons moved back into the top three, with David McGoldrick’s second-half strike for the Magpies contentiously being disallowed for handball.
Parkinson revealed he had doubts over Fletcher featuring in this match after falling ill following the midweek win over Sutton, but the 36-year-old’s training displays saw him start as the Wrexham boss lauded his contribution.
He said: “He’s been immense for us. He had a bit of a virus after the game Tuesday and he came in to see the doctor on Thursday, and I was a bit concerned about playing him, but then he trained yesterday and looked so sharp that it made our mind up with the way he trained.
“You don’t play at the level he has without being the consummate professional and that’s what he is.
“He looks after himself, he trains well, he does all his extra work and he’s enjoying playing and that’s great. He’s got a great enthusiasm to play and I love that. It’s great to see and it’s a great example for our younger players.
“It was a hard game, Notts are a good side, we know that, there’s always an edge between the two teams, and I thought it was a really good game and a great advert for the division.”
Fletcher’s goal ensured the Dragons claimed the season double over the side they battled for the National League title against in thrilling fashion last term.
Magpies boss Stuart Maynard was left frustrated after the officials ruled McGoldrick’s second-half finish for suspected handball, when replays appeared to show the ball struck his stomach area, and he felt it cost them at least a point.
Maynard said: “I thought the first half, we were outstanding as a group of players, to come here, Wrexham, and dominate the game totally.
“I think their goalie probably ends up man of the match just on his first-half performance alone, but the real frustration is we probably deserve a point minimum.
“It’s frustrating. We’ve watched the video back on Didzy’s (McGoldrick’s) goal, and it’s a clear goal. We’ve scored a legitimate goal that should have stood and it’s frustrating because we go away with nothing.
“It hits his chest around his stomach area as clean as you can see, so I don’t see where he sees the handball from.
“You look at the reaction, in football always look at the reaction of the opposition players, they’re going back to the halfway line. All their players already thinking the goal’s been given. That’s how you judge it a lot of the time and that’s how you should as a referee.
“We’re proud of the performance, it’s frustrating to not get something from the game though.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. PORTUGAL WIN THE UEFA NATIONS LEAGUE ON PENALTIES Nuno Mendes 😎 Anti Right Winger Morata : Me again? Congratulations Portugal & Ronaldo Kepa in Arsenal be like I am sorry. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: BleacherReportFootball, Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball)...
PSG get talks underway with Bournemouth for ZabarnyiFabrizio Romano reports that PSG are determined to sign Ilya Zabarnyi this summer. While talks are underway with Bournemouth, the two clubs have not yet reached an agreement. The player remains keen to join Les Parisiens.Everton join Newcastle in race to sign GrealishEverton are interesting in acquiring the services of Manchester City outcast Jac...
WHAT HAPPENED?Napoli striker Osimhen has reportedly made up his mind on his future, and it seems like it won't include a sensational move to the Middle East. This comes from a scoop from journalist Buchi Laba, who reports that Osimhen has rejected a fifth offer from Saudi side Al-Hilal and would rather continue his career in Europe.THE BIGGER PICTURELaba claims that Osimhen is not interested in a ...
France captain Kylian Mbappe says he is satisfied with his side bouncing back from their Nations League loss to Spain in the third-placed play-off.Les Bleus finished the campaign with a win over Germany, thanks to goals from the Real Madrid star and Michael Olise.And while there was a lot to like about the French performance in Stuttgart, Mbappe took a balanced approach to things in his post-match...
WHAT HAPPENED?The German club have asked to be kept up to date on Sancho's situation, with the Man Utd outcast being touted as a possible replacement for Chelsea target Jamie Gittens, as per Sky Sports. Sancho has already re-joined the club from Manchester United once - a six-month loan spell at the end of last season - and could yet return for a third spell with the German giants. Chelsea paid a ...
Jobe Bellingham of Sunderland celebrates getting promoted back to the Premier LeagueEngland U21 midfielder Jobe Bellingham has agreed terms to leave Sunderland for Borussia Dortmund in a deal reported at around 331 million including add-ons.The Bedlington-born starlet joins the German club on a five-year contract following Sunderland's promotion to the Premier League.Dortmund has reportedly agreed...
Brian Priske has chosen to return to Sparta PragueBrian Priske has returned to Sparta Prague to take up the position as head coach, say the Czech club on their website."We are pleased to announce the appointment of our new head coach. We welcome Brian, who knows the environment in the club. We strongly believe that he will build on the successful work he has delivered in the past and help Sparta w...
Borussia Dortmund keen on signing Jadon SanchoBorussia Dortmund are weighing up a fresh move for Jadon Sancho amid uncertainty over his future at Manchester United.The Bundesliga side have requested to be kept informed about the Englishman’s status at Old Trafford, with the out-of-favour winger seen as a potential replacement for Chelsea-linked Jamie Gittens, according to Sky Sports.Sancho i...
Gravenberch names his 2025 Ballon d'Or favouriteRyan Gravenberch shared his 2025 Ballon d'Or choice, backing his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah to win the prestigious award.The Egypt international was the frontrunner for the 2025 Ballon d'Or during the first half of the season, topping both the goals and assists charts in the Premier League.0"That's a tough one, but I'll go for my teammate: Moha...
Uriah RennieUriah Rennie, the first black man to referee in the Premier League, has died at the age of 65.WHAT HAPPENED?In August 1997, Rennie was named as the referee for a Premier League game between Derby County and AFC Wimbledon and made history as the division's first ever black referee. He went on to officiate over 300 top-flight games across 11 years, as well as refereeing domestic cup fina...
- 1 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 2 Marcus Rashford 'grows close' to stunning semi-pro padel player
- 3 Why Premier League transfer may be off the cards for Victor Osimhen as Man Utd make 'timid' attempts to convince striker
- 4 Chukwueze reveals cause of AC Milan’s ‘disastrous’ season
- 5 Transfer news & rumours LIVE
- 6 FIFA confirms 34 team base camp training sites in the United States for 2025 Club World Cup, including nine in Florida and five in Calitornia
- 7 Man Utd continue to be linked with Emi Martinez
- 8 Daily Laugh - Mbeumo and his amazing talent
- 9 Liverpool's dream transfer window with six signings including £100m striker
- 10 Transfer news: Jadon Sancho announces move as Liverpool confirm deal