The victory punctured the Swans’ recent inflated optimism and strengthened the Dragons’ grip on a Championship play-off place.
Wrexham responded to a draining run of fixtures — including an FA Cup extra-time defeat to Chelsea and a midweek loss to Hull City — with a composed derby victory at Stok Cae Ras that moved them six points clear of seventh-placed Southampton.
Nathan Broadhead’s superb first-half finish set Wrexham on their way before a late own goal from Liam Cullen sealed the points and local bragging rights.
“It was a performance of resilience and character tonight, it really was,” Parkinson said.
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“I don’t think you should underestimate the week we’ve had with the emotion of the Chelsea game, the extra time, then the bad news of Kieffer (Moore) and Libby (Liberato Cacace) being out injured, and obviously losing Dobbo (George Dobson) and not getting the result on Tuesday.
“To bounce back tonight, that is real, true spirit and resilience from all the lads involved and all the staff and all the supporters as well.
“Three home games in six days, it’s not easy for anyone, but I thought the supporters drove us on tonight and the three points are the most important thing.
“To win a Welsh derby and give us the supporters that feeling that we’ve beaten one of our Welsh rivals is obviously very important as well.”
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The victory was also watched closely by Wrexham’s Hollywood co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, who were on television commentary duties as Parkinson’s team delivered a crucial response to recent setbacks.
Wrexham had been pushed hard by a Swansea side who dominated possession for long spells and created several opportunities.
Arthur Okonkwo produced an important early save to deny Championship top scorer Zan Vipotnik when the striker was through on goal, while Malick Yalcouye later missed a promising chance.
The visitors also felt they should have been awarded a penalty when Goncalo Franco went down under a challenge from Dominic Hyam inside the area.
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Despite Swansea’s pressure, Wrexham struck the decisive blow midway through the first half.
Callum Doyle played a clever reverse pass into the path of Broadhead, who showed sharp footwork to evade Cameron Burgess before finishing confidently past Lawrence Vigouroux for his eighth goal of the season.
“Cal, he likes those reverse passes into the pocket and I was on the same wavelength,” Broadhead said.
“I just took it past the defender and slotted it home. I love scoring goals, I love playing footy, but today the three points was the main thing…It was a massive win.”
Parkinson added he felt confident Swansea’s style would play into the hands of his own side.
“They like to keep the ball, sometimes they don't do much with it, but they can make you uncomfortable,” he added.
“We always felt on the transition we could cause hurt them and the first goal is the most incisive bit of play of the whole game.”
Wrexham continued to defend resolutely in the second half before wrapping up the win late on when Doyle’s header deflected into the net off Swansea forward Cullen.
The result leaves Swansea 12th in the table and eight points outside the play-off places with eight matches remaining.
Swans head coach Vitor Matos was left frustrated that his side could not turn their possession and chances into goals.
“We had good chances up, we missed the last moment I would say,” Matos said.
“We pushed Wrexham back, we controlled, we created and just that last little thing was not there today.
“Maybe unlucky for us as well. I think that’s it. The situations in the box with Franco, quite clear, that’s not quite the best decision, but it’s nothing we can control. What we can control is the next week of training to face Coventry (next Saturday).”
Despite the defeat, Matos praised his players’ efforts during an intense schedule of matches.
“Maybe the luck was not on our side a little bit with the last action. I'm proud of the boys - three games in six or seven days is just insane.
“Arriving here and putting on this performance, I'm proud of them. We're going in the right direction.
“We still created chances to score. There's a lot we can take from that. What we can do is improve ourselves.”
