DRAMA IN PALM OF OUR HANDS!
PHIL Parkinson hailed the discipline of his Wrexham side as they moved to within one point of leaders Stockport County ahead of next Sunday’s showdown between the two.
Ollie Palmer’s 14th goal since joining the Red Dragons from AFC Wimbledon in January proved the difference in a tightly contested game against a well-organised Southend side.
And when Stockport slipped to a 2-1 home defeat to Boreham Wood in the evening kick-off, it left the near 10,000 Wrexham fans in attendance dreaming of a famous title comeback.
Palmer took his goal well – Jordan Davies whipping in a superb cross which the striker tucked away into the bottom corner.
“Ollie has been great for us, he’s the talisman for us at the top of the pitch,” Parkinson said of his front man.
“He got his goal which is a terrific cross from Jordan, a real moment of quality on the day.”
The Shrimpers didn’t threaten the Wrexham resolve too often, althpough Harry Cardwell did force Christian Dibble into a superb save with a well-struck shot.
The Wrexham keeper has been instrumental since stepping in replacing the injured Rob Lainton and Parkinson explained that Dibble’s has been key in the big moments.
“We talk about key moments whether it’s a striker taking a chance, a save from the keeper or a block by a defender and Dibbs has done that today,” Parkinson added.
After scoring six against Weymouth in midweek, the game commended a different type of performance against Kevin Maher’s men.
The Shrimpers were unbeaten in three games when they arrived at the Racecourse but Wrexham dug deep leaving Parkinson full of praise for the way his side handled the situation, while finding a way to win.
“It was a hard game but I thought it would be, they’ve been on a good run and they’re a better team than their league position suggests,” he added. “In the end, we got our rewards with an early goal in the second half.
“We had to be strong and resolute today – it can’t always be champagne football.
“Sometimes team come and do a good job against you but we’ve got the ability to grind out a win today and that’s what we did.”
Tyler French was once again was in the line-up as he moved into the back three, replacing the injured Aaron Hayden.
He put in a commanding performance with some key blocks to deny the United attack, and Parkinson said he’s earned his chance.
“Tyler is a good player, he’s athletic, he can pass it and I’ve said it many times he’s been unlucky not to be involved more.”