Phil Parkinson highlighted his team’s character and hard work as key elements of Wrexham’s 1-0 win over Mansfield.
Ryan Barnett’s cracking sixth-minute goal separated two of last season’s promoted League Two clubs and ended the Welsh side’s three-game winless run in all competitions.
But Mansfield went close to picking up a point on a ground where they have not won in the league since 1986 as Lee Gregory hit the bar in the second half, Arthur Okonkwo saved superbly from Will Evans and substitute Ben Waine’s header also grazed the woodwork.
“At times, it was tenser than I would have liked,” said boss Parkinson. “But you have got to make sure you stick together and grind out the results.
“That’s what it is all about over the course of 46 games. Good teams who end up at the top of the league can win all types of matches.
“We have got to have the make-up in our team to make sure we roll up our sleeves when it is not all going our way and I think we did that.
“Mansfield are a good team and have done well on their travels. So, we had to work exceptionally hard to get the win.
“Were we at our best? No. So, sometimes you have got to dig deep and work together as a team.
“In the second half we had two of the best chances to go and extend the lead to give scoreline a more comfortable look
“But we had to stand strong. People sometimes remember the 3-0 or 4-0 games.
“But we have had games like that where we have to roll up our sleeves and realise if we are not at our fluid best we have to stand strong.”
Mansfield boss Nigel Clough believed his team’s display did not get what it merited.
Gregory had two good chances in the opening period with Clough also believing his striker was fouled for a potential penalty before Barnett’s excellent winner.
“The general standard of our play and performance was excellent,” said Clough.
“We hit the bar twice, got into some great positions and could easily have had not just had a draw but won the game.
“Their lad hit one into the bottom corner from 20-25 yards, but we couldn’t find that bit of quality which happens at times.
“However, in how we approached the game against a team third in the league, there were no problems at all. I thought we were magnificent.
“I was disappointed with the goal but more than the goal I was very disappointed with the referee’s (Simon Mather) performance.
“We should have had a penalty after a few minutes and there were a lot of decisions I was incredibly disappointed with.
“We created numerous opportunities and were an inch from getting equaliser with Lee Gregory hitting the underside of the bar.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Arsenal 3-0 Nottm Forest Leicester 1-2 Chelsea Pray for City! Club football is back Harry Kane recreated the Bundesliga logo When you order Jack Grealish on Wish This Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, FootballLaughss, PL__OOC)...
The France striker has been linked with Manchester United in recent days.And as he battles to work his way into Chelsea's starting XI this season, Nkunku is said to be considering his options.United and PSG have both been linked with the striker.But the Athletic says Chelsea have ruled out parting with Nkunku in January....
Diomande has been linked with Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City this season.Andersen coached the defender with Midtjylland U19s and told O Jogo: “I can understand that there is a lot of enthusiasm around Diomande and that big clubs are after him, because he has been very well. "They're crazy values, you've reached a point where you start to wonder if they belong there. I talk to...
Trivela says Real are considering a move for the Brazilian veteran in January.Real management recognise the retirement of Toni Kroos has left a massive void, which has led to discussions about bringing Casemiro back to the club.It's believed Casemiro would have a big impact on the pitch and in the dressing room at Real, which are struggling for consistency this season.The 32 year-old left Real for...
Arsenal and Liverpool to lock horns in January for ZubimendiReal Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi has emerged as a prime target for Liverpool, but Arsenal are reportedly keen on rivalling the Merseyside club for his signature. According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool are preparing a second bid for the standout player, with a January transfer seen as a strong possibility. They are determined to land Zu...
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. Jack Grealish joked about Pep Guardiola's reaction if he went on I'm a Celeb this year Man City vs Spurs this weekend… Cristiano Ronaldo Mudryppe Throw back to the most crazy substitution in football history... Kylian Mbappe vs Tree When everyone keeps calling you a one season wonder but you're just a chill guy. Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will...
Ruben Amorim is set to take charge of his first game for the Red Devils against Ipswich on Sunday.Man Utd are planning some major transfers to bolster Ruben Amorim's teamThe club are reportedly considering returning for Jarrad BranthwaiteJamie Carragher is intrigued to see how such a "radical" move with work mid-season, while Amorim himself has warned fans they will need to prepare for some "hard ...
The center half is one of the most sought after young talents in the world at present.Per football.london, both Arsenal and United are keen to sign him in the summer.However, the source states that United are very much in the ascendancy in this respect.Having hired Ruben Amorim, who was previously Diomande's manager at Sporting CP, gives them a big edge.Diomande may also base his decision on wheth...
Javier Mascherano is set to become the new head coach of Inter Miami in the upcoming days as the two parties finalize contract negotiations, sources have confirmed to ESPN.Mascherano will leave his post as manager of Argentina's youth team to lead Lionel Messi and the Herons throughout the 2025 campaign. He replaces Gerardo "Tata" Martino, who exits the club after a year and a half due to personal...
Kolo Muani Linked with January Premier League LoanParis Saint-Germain forward Randal Kolo Muani could secure a temporary move to the Premier League in January, according to Caught Offside. The French international, who has faced limited playing opportunities this season, is attracting interest from several English clubs. West Ham United and Newcastle United are reportedly leading the race for Kolo...
- 1 I am not a lunatic – Craig Bellamy glad to show different side in Wales dugout
- 2 Roy Keane’s daughter pictured with Taylor Harwood-Bellis for first time
- 3 Johnnie Jackson bemoans refereeing decisions after dramatic Dons draw
- 4 Ex-Prem ace asked Liverpool star for his sister's phone number
- 5 Liam Cullen leads Wales to Nations League promotion
- 6 Harry Kane’s ‘fugly’ £7,200 statue branded ‘stuff of nightmares’ unveiled
- 7 Mascherano nears Miami; Martino exits
- 8 Daily Laugh - Trossard suffers an injury
- 9 Daily Laugh - Antony and his latest ManUtd session
- 10 Andy Robertson marks 80th Scotland cap with stoppage-time winner in Poland