soccer

Wrexham's resilience shines through at Charlton

Wrexham have won 15 of their 35 Championship matches so far this season [Getty Images]

Phil Parkinson praised his side's ability to find a way to win as Wrexham's promotion ambitions showed a clinical edge at Charlton Athletic.

And by underlining their top-six resilience this week, Parkinson admitted it means they can allow themselves to embrace the build-up to next weekend's FA Cup visit of Chelsea.

Ollie Rathbone's volley at The Valley means Wrexham remain in the play-off positions with a four-point advantage over seventh spot.

The gap ensures Wrexham will remain in the top six next weekend despite switching their attention to the Stok Cae Ras clash with Liam Rosenior's Premier League side, regardless of rivals' results.

That luxury was by no means a given. Wrexham rode their luck to such an extent it prompted Charlton boss Nathan Jones to question how his own struggling team did not convert any of the chances created.

But Parkinson – whose side have collected more points than anyone in the second-tier since Christmas Day – knows not every win comes gift-wrapped.

"It was always going to be a hard game because Nathan's teams give everything and they're fighting for points," Parkinson said.

"But we showed incredible resilience to get the win. We came under a bit of pressure but the way we defended the box today was exceptional and it was important we saw it through."

Parkinson said he had given his players a pre-match message to ensure there were no questions of a loss of focus when such a high-profile cup time looms on the horizon.

"I didn't want to be the team who has one eye on the FA Cup and didn't turn up here," he said, admitting Charlton were always going to ask different, more physical questions of Wrexham's ability to still come out on top.

"That's not what we're all about, but we've ticked that box and now I just want to embrace the FA Cup week and enjoy because we've worked hard to get to this round and to go into it in the top six."

Charlton manager Jones understands why Wrexham are in such a position, although it didn't stop him wondering how they weren't beaten on this occasion.

"Never mind winning the game, or drawing the game, how we haven't scored three or four I don't know because it was dominant performance and I thought we were excellent," he said.

"But we have to take chances because they weren't just half chances – and if you don't, that's what happens."

The former Southampton, Stoke City and Luton Town boss – who was at the centre of the rivalry that built around the two sides as they chased promotion from League One last season – admitted he was "kicking himself" at the result.

But he did admit that it underlined why Wrexham are again challenging for promotion just as they were last season in what was a third successive move up a division.

"Good sides find ways to win games, that's what they've done – and they are a good side," he said. "You don't win the games they have in a four-year period if you are not.

"At times they have to ride your luck and it's up you to punish them – we didn't and that was the difference. They have individuals that can win games and they find ways to do that."

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