PARKY’S PROUD AFTER A THRILLER
PHIL Parkinson hailed the neversay-die attitude of his Wrexham players as they staged a dramatic comeback from 5-2 down against a resurgent Dover to clinch an epic 11-goal thriller in the nick of time at the Racecourse.
Two stoppage-time goals from Jordan Davies sealed the most dramatic of victories for the Dragons after relegated Dover had threatened to produce the shock of the season thanks largely to Michael Gyasi’s 12-minute hat-trick.
“The character to come back from 5-2 to win 6-5...it isn’t easy and you have to give the lads enormous credit,” Parkinson said.
“It was a bizarre game, to be 2-0 up and cruising and then to concede five goals, you just can’t legislate for that.
“We’ve got a strong mentality and that is to keep showing for the ball and trying to do the right thing.
“We remained patient, we got chances and I always feel like we’ve got the players that can take
those chances.”
Early goals from Paul Mullin and James Jones put the Dragons in cruise control, but the game was turned on its head when Dover stormed back.
George Wilkinson started the comeback with a stunning goal, which even the Wrexham fans applauded, but the home crowd were more subdued when Alfie Pavey headed in an equaliser.
Gyasi then scored a hat-trick in 12 second-half minutes as the Whites stormed into a dominant lead.
Ollie Palmer scored twice to give Wrexham hope, however, and roared on by another 8,500+ crowd, Davies – who almost didn’t play due to a calf injury – then completed a stunning comeback with his stoppage-time brace.
His first goal, a freekick from 25 yards out, the second a diving header, latching onto a header flicked on by Palmer that completed the sensational comeback.
It was the switch of formation that inspired Wrexham’s comeback, with Dan Jarvis replacing Max Cleworth to add to the already attacking line-up.
The addition of Dior Angus and Liam McAlinden posed even more of a threat to a tiring Dover and that contributed to the rousing finale.
Parkinson paid tribute to the Wrexham supporters who roared Wrexham on to a result which sees them leapfrog Chesterfield into second, 11 points behind leaders Stockport County.
“The man of the match today was the crowd,” the manager added. “Throughout the second half they stuck behind us even at 5-2 down.
“I think they could sense like me this game wasn’t dead, and I think they were magnificent.”
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