When Phil Parkinson punched his right fist in the air in celebration in front of the Wrexham Lager Stand after full-time, the significance of the occasion became clear.
Arthur Okonkwo inexplicably fumbled the ball to allow Adam Idah to poke home Swansea City’s winner when Wrexham went to south Wales before Christmas.
Advertisement
But in Friday night’s return fixture at Stok Cae Ras, the Wrexham goalkeeper produced a monumental save to thwart Championship top scorer Zan Vipotnik with the score at 0-0.
Only four minutes later, Nathan Broadhead conjured a piece of magic to send the hosts on their way to what could be a pivotal win in their quest to secure a Championship play-off spot.
The night became one of redemption for Wrexham, particularly following the 2-1 loss to Hull City three days earlier.
“It hurt down at their place (Swansea) because we were never really in trouble in the game but we didn’t get the win and we had to respond tonight to Tuesday [against Hull] and that performance [at Swansea],” Parkinson said.
Advertisement
“There’s lots of key moments tonight. I think Arthur making that save after what happened down at their place shows why he’s been part of a successful team, because he’s got character.”
Wrexham have taken 60 points from their 37 Championship games so far this season [Getty Images]
Wrexham’s victory over Swansea was more than just three points to the manager, and more than an opportunity for co-chairmen Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac to test their commentary skills as they did a turn on the television coverage of the game.
The occasion and result brought a positive end to what has been a testing week for the north Wales side.
On the back of an energy-sapping but plaudit-earning FA Cup defeat by Premier League Chelsea, Wrexham’s squad numbers swiftly dwindled.
Advertisement
Kieffer Moore and Liberato Cacace joined the likes of Ben Sheaf, Matty James and George Dobson in being either injured or suspended.
Wrexham were duly off colour as they were beaten 2-1 by Hull, but Parkinson’s response was simple – we go again.
They absorbed long periods of Swansea possession admirably, with the settled back three of Max Cleworth, Dom Hyam and Callum Doyle dovetailing well once again.
According Parkinson, captain Hyam was sick at half-time but continued playing, typifying the resilience shown by the hosts to bank another precious three points.
“That is real true spirit and resilience from all the lads involved and all the staff and all the supporters,” he said.
Advertisement
“The supporters drove us on tonight. The three points are the most important thing, but to win a Welsh derby and give our supporters that feeling that we’ve beaten one of our Welsh rivals is obviously very important as well.”
Vipotnik nullified
For Swansea, there was plenty to be pleased with.
They ended the contest having had two-thirds of the possession in addition to having more touches in the opposition box than Wrexham.
They forced Okonkwo into three saves, with Lawrence Vigouroux making just one early on to deny Broadhead prior to the Wales international’s moment of genius.
Advertisement
But when star man Vipotnik – scorer of 19 goals across all competitions this season – was unable to beat Okonkwo when through one-on-one, it was perhaps a sign that a league double over Wrexham was not on the cards.
Discussing Vipotnik’s disappointment, Vitor Matos said: “He is thinking that [it was an opportunity missed]. He’s not happy with that.
“But that’s it. There were chances. Wrexham took their chances and that’s the story of the game.”
Victory moved Wrexham six points clear of the chasing play-off pack with nine games left to play, though the gap may close after Saturday’s Championship fixtures.
Advertisement
But whatever happens over the weekend, Parkinson’s side have once again proved that moments of quality, combined with graft, can produce special things.
And their icing on the cake came when Liam Cullen was helpless to divert Callum Doyle’s header into his own net.
“It’s just a night where we had to dig deep in our reserves and we’ve done that,” added Parkinson.
“There’s a togetherness about the group and I think you could see that on the pitch.”
Read the full article here