Wrexham triumph over illness to secure place in Championship playoffs

Wrexham’s manager Phil Parkinson disclosed that his team had been affected by a sickness bug prior to their challenging 2-1 victory against Portsmouth.

The Red Dragons continued their quest for a fourth consecutive promotion as they secured a win at Stok Cae Ras, reinforcing their position in the top six of the Championship.

Sam Smith, who scored the opening goal with an impressive header, was among those affected and was unable to finish the match.

“The energy levels weren’t quite where we needed to be,” Parkinson stated. “We’ve had a bit of illness in the camp over the last few days but we just dug deep as a team.

“When you’re not quite at your best, and you’re not functioning quite how we like, you have to show another side to your game and I felt we did that.

“Sam was really good in that first half. He was one of the lads who had a stomach bug and he was struggling at half-time.

“I said ‘Come on, Sam, another 15 minutes.’ He’s been brilliant for us, ever since he’s been here.

“That’s a real old-fashioned striker’s header, a great finish.”

Max Cleworth extended Wrexham’s advantage from a corner before Portsmouth mounted a comeback in the second half.

Zak Swanson reduced the deficit with a deflected shot, but despite applying significant pressure, the visitors were unable to equalize.

“I thought we were excellent first half. We really bossed the game,” Parkinson remarked.

“Second half we didn’t quite get the control we wanted but sometimes football is about finding a way to win and we’ve done that really well.

“We dug deep and it’s a great win.”