Parkinson’s men up for the scrap

PHIL PARKINSON hailed Wrexham’s “scrappy” Welsh derby victory over Newport.

Second-half goals from James Jones (above) and Elliot Lee - both from long Ben Tozer throw-ins – secured maximum points for the hosts.

The clash was played in windy conditions at the Racecourse Ground which made it difficult at times for both teams.

Manager Parkinson said: “It was a game played in very difficult conditions, swirling wind, but we’ve been training in those conditions this week so we’re kind of used to it.

“When it’s like that, the game’s always going to have a scrappy feel to it and it was important we were ready to scrap first and second balls all over the pitch.

“I felt we did that very well. All in all, I thought the lads have stuck to the job at hand and got another very important three points for us. All those very basic things in football had to be in place for us to get us a win.”

Newport boss Graham Coughlan was left a frustrated figure after his 17th-placed side conceded from two set-pieces.

However, the 49-year-old did not use the conditions as an excuse for defeat, saying: “We had opportunities and chances.

“The first goal was always going to be big in this fixture and we had two or three chances in the first half to take them and we didn’t, so you leave yourself open.

“Yes, the conditions were there, but they were the same for both teams, so by no means will we use that as an excuse.

“I’d love to be honest and tell you what I’m really feeling but you can’t concede from two set-pieces from long throws.

“That should be bread and butter to the people in our team.”