Wrexham still in the mix for promotion says manager Phil Parkinson

Manager Phil Parkinson says Wrexham must prepare for an “eight-game season” as they chase promotion to League One.

They remain in the automatic promotion places but are level on points with fourth placed Milton Keynes Dons.

“It’s a very, very tight division. Very competitive and we’re in the mix, where we want to be,” said Parkinson.

“We could be in a much stronger position after these two home games [Harrogate and Tranmere] but we’re not, so we look at the league table and say ‘OK. it’s just an eight-game season’ and we’ve got to be ready for that.”

Luke Norris’ early strike earned Tranmere a shock win at the Stok Racecourse on Saturday and Parkinson’s side must pick themselves up for a midweek trip to Grimsby Town.

“This week going to Grimsby, we have to have the same kind of spirit and intensity and fighting spirit but have a little bit more coolness in and around the opposition box and if we do that like against Morecambe, like we have done in the past then we will punish teams,” Parkinson added.

“There’s so much to play for – this isn’t a defining defeat [against Tranmere].

“Obviously, a local derby, we know what it means for supporters, players and staff as well but it’s not a season-defining defeat. We’re in a strong position.

“We have to dust ourselves down and come back against Grimsby next week and get ready to go again.”

Asked if he would have taken this potion if offered at the start of the season, Parkinson said: “We certainly would.

“Obviously it doesn’t feel like that at this moment because we’ve just lost a local derby but the effort of the boys, trying to do the right things, I can’t fault that. They have given so much.

“It’s still all to play for but defeats, you’ve just got to take them.

“It hurts but we’ll come back and we’ll be ready to go at Grimsby next week with a really spirited performance and if we play like we have done today and against Harrogate and Morecambe, we won’t be far off.

“We’ve got a staff and players who have been here before, but it’s key moments in games, when you get to this stage of the season it’s about making the right decisions.

“Whether it’s the manager, making the right decisions or a player in that final third, just picking the right pass.”