Phil Parkinson: Wrexham must 'enjoy' the pressure of League Two title race, says manager

By Aled WilliamsBBC Sport Wales
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Manager Phil Parkinson says his Wrexham players are "used to the pressure" as they target a second successive promotion.

Parkinson's side are second in League Two, two points behind leaders Mansfield with nine games remaining.

Wrexham have been involved in title races for the past two seasons, winning the National League 12 months ago.

"I think being there as a manager, coaching staff and a group of players is an advantage for us," he said.

"We've got players who are used to this kind of pressure.

"Is it pressure? Pressure is when you are down the bottom of the table and I've been there before.

"I always remember my first year at Bradford City where I took over with a very poor squad down the bottom of League Two.

"The owners were saying 'if this club falls through the trap door the club might not exist.' That was pressure for myself and the players, fighting for livelihoods.

"This is one you've got to enjoy and I feel we've done well to be up where we are.

"Now it's about capitalising on the position we are in with nine games to go."

Wrexham missed the chance to go joint-top of League Two on Tuesday evening when they were held at home by Harrogate Town.

On the same night leaders Mansfield Town lost 2-1 at Tranmere Rovers, the side Wrexham next face at home on Saturday, 16 March.

"This was one of the games when the fixtures came out that everyone looked to - local derbies are fantastic," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"But I think at this stage of the season the games almost don't need anything more added to them, they're all huge games anyway.

"We had a great result at their place and it will be an exciting game again.

"I think everybody said after the first couple of months that this league seems almost as strong as League One this year.

"Across the board the league is competitive and anybody can beat anybody.

"Any game is so tight, it's hard fought and separated on details."

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