Wrexham

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Phil Parkinson admits he may need to rotate his squad for Wrexham's vital League One fixture with Wycombe Wanderers on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

The Red Dragons saw their four-game winning streak away from home in the league come to an end on Tuesday night as they were beaten 2-0 by Reading.

Parkinson has been dealt a number of injury concerns following the game at the Select Car Leasing Stadium prior to this weekend's trip to Adams Park.

Ollie Rathbone, George Dobson, Seb Revan and Ryan Barnett will all be assessed as Wrexham look to leapfrog the Chairboys into second place in League One with victory in Buckinghamshire.

"It's a huge game for us and it was always going to be irrespective of tonight's result [against Reading]," said Parkinson.

"There's a few knocks, Ollie Rathbone played, Dobson wasn't quite right, Seb's twisted his ankle a little bit.

"Barney (Barnett) got clattered towards the end twice which doesn't look too good, so there's several things we need to assess quickly.

"We've just got to pick ourselves up quickly and we will, we'll be ready for action.

"There's a lot to play for. Sometimes things go for you, sometimes they don't but we'll come back ready to respond at the weekend."

Jack Marriott was left out of the matchday squad at Reading, with fellow forward Mo Faal being introduced off the bench late on against Noel Hunt's side.

And Parkinson confirmed after the loss to the Royals that the selection was purely tactical.

"I just thought Mo deserved a chance tonight. I thought he did well when he got on," added Parkinson.

"He's trained really well and he got a goal the last time he started for us.

"I thought [Reading] could be vulnerable from crosses, but we didn't get enough in the box in the first half. It's no more than that."

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has acknowledged his side's 2-0 defeat at Reading was a missed opportunity.

Victory would have seen Parkinson's side move above Wycombe Wanderers – who they face on Saturday - into second spot in League One.

"It was a great opportunity and we haven't taken it," Parkinson said. "That's the harsh reality of it.

"Preparation was good, we came down here ready to give it our all and we came up short. We move on to Wycombe."

Parkinson bemoaned the penalty awarded in the Reading game and says the decision changed the course of the game.

Reading were awarded a penalty early in the second half after Eoghan O'Connell was adjudged to have fouled Jayden Wareham and Harvey Knibbs scored from the spot.

Lewis Wing scored Reading's second seven minutes later to seal victory and deny Wrexham the chance of moving up to second in League One.

"It's one of the softest penalties I've seen for many a year," Parkinson said.

"How he's given that is absolutely incredible. Honestly you've got to see it to believe it.

"Of course we can do better and it's not all about the ref – we've had chances to get back into the game and we haven't taken them.

"But the game changed on that decision.

"Their second goal, the lad's struck it brilliantly, but we can still do better.

"Obviously they got their tails us didn't they and it was an extra energy about them which happens obviously when you get quickfire goals.

"We felt that if we'd have got one we'd get back into the game and we so nearly did."

"It just wasn't to be."

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson could be forced to make changes for Tuesday night's League One game at Reading because of injury worries.

The Red Dragons moved level on points with second placed Wycombe Wanderers with a 1-0 against Rotherham on Saturday, in a game where midfielder Ollie Rathbone and wing-back Ryan Longman suffered fitness concerns.

"Ollie Rathbone cramped up. Hopefully it was just cramp. I wasn't going to take a risk with him because he's been brilliant for us," Parkinson said.

"Ryan Longman was struggling a bit towards the end. But you're always going to get that when the games are coming thick and fast. But I feel we've got the squad to cope with that."

Parkinson does hope to have George Dobson available again for the trip to Reading.

The midfielder suffered an ankle injury in last Tuesday's 1-0 win at Huddersfield, and was not available for selection against Rotherham.

Another option in midfield for Parkinson is George Evans

The 30-year-old made his first league appearance since October against Rotherham on Saturday following ankle surgery earlier on this season.

"We've got to give George credit because he's been unlucky this season.

"He got himself back in the team and then got a bad injury against Stevenage, and he's worked hard."

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Phil Parkinson believes his Wrexham players will fully embrace what promises to be a "mouth-watering" week for the club.

The north Wales side moved level on points with second-placed Wycombe in League One after earning a 1-0 win over Rotherham United on Saturday.

Wrexham face Parkinson's former club Reading in Berkshire tonight (19:45 GMT) before facing Wycombe at Adams Park on Saturday, and the Wrexham boss feels his squad is well placed to continue to deliver in what could be a pivotal week in the club's quest for a third successive promotion.

"It's great going into those games with a home win," said Parkinson.

"These are the weeks you want to be involved in. We've come a long way as a team and a club.

"They're mouth-watering prospects and I want the lads to enjoy it and play like we did at Huddersfield and like we have away from home recently.

"Reading is a great stage to play on and I feel like we've got the players who will go and embrace that."

Parkinson played over 350 games for Reading from 1992-2003, the final club of his playing career.

"I was there 11 years and it's a great club, in a bit of turmoil behind the scenes at the moment which is sad to see, but it's not the only club which goes through those periods.

"I've got a lot of good friends down there and my kids we born in Reading, I lived there for 11 years so I always look forward to going back.

"But my focus is purely on the performance level and getting it as high as we possibly can."

The fixture at the Select Car Leasing Stadium will see Sam Smith return to his former club for the first time since joining Wrexham in January.

Smith netted the winner against Rotherham on Saturday to bag his first home goal for Wrexham having scored in a 2-0 win at Northampton Town in February.

It comes after Smith netted 11 goals for the Royals in the opening half of the campaign and the forward fully expects a tough test against his former employers as Wrexham seek a fifth successive away league victory.

"They're a very good team, young and energetic. They're fighting for the play-offs so they'll be giving everything they've got," he said.

"It's going to be very strange but I'm looking forward to going back.

"Incredible memories, incredible people and an incredible club."

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Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo says he is getting back to his best after the injury that kept him out for two months.

Okonkwo made some key saves to ensure a third clean sheet in a row in Saturday's 1-0 win over Rotherham at the Stok Racecourse.

The 23-year-old former Arsenal trainee is showing the kind of form that earned him plenty of plaudits earlier in the campaign before he broke his wrist in November.

"That was the first serious injury I've had as a professional," he said.

"It's difficult coming back from something like that - you lose consistency and momentum."

Okonkwo now feels he is reaching the levels he showed prior to his injury.

"It's taken a bit of time and I had to take a step back to go forward again, but I'm feeling good now. I'm happy to be back," he added.

"Three clean sheets on the bounce...I'm delighted with that. The manager loves clean sheets and we want to keep as many as possible."

Saturday's shut-out - and Sam Smith's winner - moved Wrexham level on points with second-placed Wycombe Wanderers, with a crunch meeting between the two rivals for League One's second automatic promotion spot looming on Saturday.

Before that weekend trip, Wrexham travel to eighth-placed Reading on Tuesday night, their confidence boosted by a run of four successive away victories.

"Our away form is really good going into these two matches," said Okonkwo.

"We've changed our mentality on the road, and it's good to see us getting wins.

"Reading will be another big challenge. We know how good they are. We'll give it our best and show the same sort of focus [as Saturday]."

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Sam Smith admits it was a "special feeling" to score the matchwinner for Wrexham against Rotherham United on his 27th birthday.

Striker Smith bagged his first home goal for Phil Parkinson's side in the 48th minute at the Stok Racecourse as the hosts claimed another crucial three points in their quest for a third successive promotion.

And the former Reading frontman dedicated the strike against the Millers to his mother as Wrexham moved level on points with second-placed Wycombe Wanderers in League One.

"It's a special feeling, a feeling I won't forget in a long time, especially on my birthday as well, I told my mum I'd get her a goal so she'll be delighted," he explained.

"I think there's more to come with that and myself. More goals, more hard work and just helping the team in every way I possibly can.

"I try to do everything right throughout the week to give me a platform to play well.

"I just rely on the quality of the group that we can create chances, and I back myself to put them away."

Smith and Jay Rodriguez both moved to north Wales in January as Wrexham bolstered their forward options for the run-in.

Such are the riches Parkinson has at his disposal at present, Paul Mullin, Ollie Palmer and Mo Faal all missed out on a place in the matchday squad for the triumph over Rotherham.

But Smith - who has started all seven league matches since joining Wrexham - admits his sole focus remains on ensuring his side claim the victories they need to challenge for promotion.

"There's competition for places but it also shows the quality we've got in the squad," added Smith.

"Everyone's different, everyone can do different things and as long as whoever is playing up front is working hard for the team, it doesn't matter who plays.

"The three points are the biggest thing, and if I'm playing, I'll give it everything I've got."

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Wrexham will aim to restore their stunning early-season home form today as they take on Rotherham United at the Stok Racecourse (15:00 GMT).

The Red Dragons are winless in their past four home League One fixtures having previously been unbeaten across the first 15 league games of the season on their own patch - winning 12 of those.

They take on a Rotherham side locked firmly in mid-table, although the Millers have recovered from a tricky run by beating Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient in their past two outings.

And Phil Parkinson fully expects Steve Evans' side to have "a real go" in north Wales this afternoon.

"They've got some good players, another team similar to Huddersfield, a Championship side last year and they still carry a lot of that squad with them," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"I think they'll come and have a real go, Steve Evans' teams normally do that.

"We feel we're prepared for it, the lads have recovered well. 

"We've got a few decisions to make with the team selection, but we'll work hard as a staff to get them right and keep our momentum going."

Andy Cannon will miss the match having undergone surgery to repair a ruptured ACL this week.

Wrexham will make a late call on George Dobson who suffered an ankle problem during Tuesday night's 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town.

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Rotherham United boss Steve Evans says he does not want to see Wrexham fail as his side prepare to face Phil Parkinson's men at the Stok Racecourse.

Ahead of the reverse fixture between the clubs in October, won 1-0 by Wrexham, Evans described the Welsh side as the "Harlem Globetrotters" of League One while referring to current league leaders Birmingham City as the "Real Madrid" of the third tier.

Since that triumph in South Yorkshire, Wrexham have kept themselves firmly in contention to secure what would be a third successive promotion.

And while Evans previously poked fun at Wrexham, the Scot heaped praise on "good guy" Parkinson ahead of Rotherham's trip to north Wales on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

"I don't want to see them (Wrexham) fail," said Evans.

"I think Phil Parkinson is a good guy and he can't do any more than go and sign the boy [Sam] Smith, [Jay] Rodriguez and Ollie Rathbone from us.

"I would think their budget is way up there, £4m spent in the January window. That tells you the ambition that lies at Wrexham and it tells you a little bit about our challenge [on Saturday] too."

Rotherham have recovered from a tricky spell by securing wins over Bristol Rovers and Leyton Orient.

And while he feels Rotherham - currently 14th in the third tier - are very much underdogs, Evans says the Millers will look to dent Wrexham's promotion hopes.

"Our aim is to go and win at Wrexham," he added.

"We know that it's going to be tough. I described them in the same way as I did Birmingham at the start of the season - and now Wycombe have joined that little group in terms of having huge finances to try and play Championship football next season.

"But our sole objective has to be to win every game."

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Wrexham will assess the fitness of George Dobson ahead of the League One fixture against Rotherham United at the Stok Racecourse on Saturday (15:00 GMT).

Dobson, 27, was replaced by Elliot Lee just four minutes into the second half of Wrexham's 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday after suffering an ankle injury.

But boss Phil Parkinson has allayed fears over the severity of the issue, adding that the midfielder could yet feature against the Millers.

"Dobbo's gone over on his ankle on Tuesday," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"It didn't look too serious but we'll have a look at that closer to kick-off."

Andy Cannon has undergone surgery this week after rupturing a cruciate ligament during the 2-1 win at Mansfield Town on 23 February.

"Andy had his surgery in London on Wednesday," he added.

"Apparently it went well, I haven't spoken to him yet, I'll speak to him today.

"He stayed in hospital for an extra night. It was just a bit of pain management but I'll touch base with him and we'll get him back up here next week."

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Iwan Roberts says Wrexham must be wishing Steven Fletcher was younger after the former Scotland international's midweek winner at Huddersfield Town.

Fletcher came off the bench to score the only goal at the John Smith's Stadium as Wrexham maintained the pressure on second-placed Wycombe Wanderers in the push for automatic promotion to the Championship.

It was the 37-year-old's seventh goal of the season, making him Wrexham's joint-top scorer in League One this season alongside attacking midfielder Elliot Lee and defender Max Cleworth.

That is despite the fact that just two of Fletcher's 28 league appearances this season have been starts.

"It's just a shame Steven Fletcher isn't four years younger," former Wales striker Roberts told this week's Feast of Football podcast.

"Once again he came on, he gets things down, holds the ball up, little touches with the outside of his foot and he is a livewire in the box."

Fletcher came on for another experienced forward, Jay Rodriguez, at Huddersfield.

The former England player is yet to score in six league appearances since joining Wrexham from Burnley in January.

Rodriguez has been playing alongside fellow mid-season signing Sam Smith, who has scored once in his six Wrexham league games to date.

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"They were the two big signings in January, even though Rodriguez came on a free, [he is on] big wages," Roberts added.

"Sam Smith is an absolute workaholic - doesn't give you a minute's peace.

"But it is not quite working for them at the minute. In the first half [at Huddersfield], they seemed to be miles apart, playing like total strangers.

"When you play with five at the back, it gives you a chance to play with two up front. They are just too far apart. They should be between 10 and 15 yards from each other."

The arrivals of Smith and Rodriguez have seen the likes of Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer fall down the pecking order under Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson.

"When you think, he has binned Ollie Palmer," Roberts said.

"I am not saying he is the answer – he's only scored three goals all season. Paul Mullin can't get in the team.

"You have Jack Marriott coming back from his long-term injury. He is still getting up to speed.

"But I guess as long as they are winning games, it doesn't really matter who is scoring."

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Steven Fletcher says he knows his role at Wrexham after declaring he is comfortable with his super-sub tag.

The Scot bagged his seventh goal of the season little more than a minute after coming off the bench to earn Phil Parkinson's men a 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night.

It was the sixth goal he has scored as a substitute this season but, at 37 years of age, Fletcher says he has no problem with having to contribute off the bench.

"I know my role, I'm enjoying it," he said.

"You want to play games but the two strikers that are playing now (Sam Smith and Jay Rodriguez), I can't speak highly enough of them for what they're doing for the team.

"You can see the impact they're making on the pitch and it makes my job easier when I come on because they tire everyone out.

"The gaffer added [to the squad] in the window which helps, it gives everyone a boost, and we've got experience on the pitch. We know how to handle these occasions. I'm 38 this month and I feel 28, it's good to still be rolling out there."

Victory over the Terriers keeps Wrexham within two points of the League One automatic promotion spots with 12 games of the season remaining.

And while his goal in west Yorkshire was a scrappy one, Fletcher said victory - Wrexham's fourth away league triumph in succession - was key as the club chase a third consecutive promotion.

"I just wanted to get the ball in the back of the net, it was a bit of a scramble but it was a good moment to score because they were pushing on a bit," added the forward.

"Every game now is vital for us to try to get as many points on the board as we can, especially when we come away to places like this."

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Waynne Phillips hailed Wrexham's ability to capitalise on big moments after they kept the pressure on League One's top two with victory over Huddersfield Town.

Steven Fletcher scored the decisive goal - his seventh of the campaign - shortly after coming off the bench against the Terriers at the John Smith's Stadium on Tuesday night.

The win keeps Phil Parkinson's side two points adrift of the automatic promotion places with 12 third-tier matches remaining this season.

"We've ticked another game off and we're down to the last 12," Phillips told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast.

"I think it was an important win because Huddersfield being close to Wrexham in the table, should they have won last night they'd have been a point behind Wrexham.

"Wrexham did what they normally do, they hang on in games and they wait for that moment.

"Yet again, Steven Fletcher coming off the bench. How often have we seen that this season? It was his first touch of the ball.

"To see the joy of the 1,000 Wrexham fans that made the journey, it was a joy to be around them."

Wrexham are in the midst of a hectic schedule, with Parkinson's men hosting Rotherham United on Saturday before travelling to Reading three days later.

Then comes the mouthwatering fixture with Wycombe Wanderers - currently second in the table - at Adams Park on 15 March in a contest that seems likely to have a big bearing on the race for promotion to the Championship.

"All Wrexham need to do is take each game at a time," added Phillips.

"They've got to back last night's excellent win at Huddersfield with a home victory at the Racecourse on Saturday, somewhere where games haven't been going particularly well over the last month.

"The games just keep coming and before we know it we'll be at Wycombe a week on Saturday in what could be a massive game in League One."

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Wrexham will go in search of a repeat of their away-day performance at Mansfield Town as they bid to strike a blow in the League One promotion race at Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

Wrexham, who are third, take on fifth-placed Huddersfield (19:45 GMT) knowing victory would lift them to second should Wycombe Wanderers slip up against Burton Albion.

Phil Parkinson's side have stumbled at home in recent weeks, with Saturday's goalless draw against Bolton leaving the Dragons with only two points from their past four Stok Racecourse fixtures.

But Wrexham have been in fine form on the road, claiming three successive victories.

Their most recent triumph was a 2-1 success against Mansfield which Steve Parkin (pictured below) has described as their best away performance since promotion from League Two.

"Huddersfield will be well organised, strong physically and decent at set-plays. They have a strong squad - they made some key singings in January," Wrexham's assistant boss said.

"They are probably not in the form they'd like to be in, but it will be another tough test.

"But if we apply ourselves like we did at Mansfield, which was probably our best away performance of the season, then I'm sure we'll be fine."

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Wrexham are chasing a third successive promotion having climbed from the National League to the top end of the third tier under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

And Parkin says the experience of the past two seasons will help over the next couple of months.

"We have been there before," he said.

"Every game you play [at this stage of a season], it's difficult to win. There are probably nine or 10 teams fearing relegation, so they are fighting for their lives, and nine or 10 teams who believe they can get in the play-offs or get promoted.

"So every game is a really tough game. We have found that over the last few weeks and we found it again [against Bolton].

"It would have been nice to take a few of the opportunities we created, but we are happy with the clean sheet which is a solid base to build on going into Tuesday's game."

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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).