The Dragons earned a crucial Championship victory at Charlton Athletic at the weekend, which their manager says underlined how his players were fully focused on their promotion push.
Wrexham’s 1-0 success kept them firmly inside the play-off places and ensured they will remain in the top six next weekend, regardless of other results.
Ollie Rathbone’s expertly taken first-half volley proved decisive at The Valley, extending the Dragons’ impressive away form and setting the platform for what Parkinson now feels is a deserved chance to embrace their FA Cup tie with Chelsea on Saturday.
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But Parkinson was keen to stress that thoughts of the cup had not crept into his players’ minds before kick-off.
“I didn't want to be the team who has one eye on the FA Cup and didn't turn up here,” he said.
“That’s not what we’re all about, but we’ve ticked that box and now I just want to embrace the FA Cup week and enjoy because we’ve worked hard to get to this round and to go into it in the top six.”
The result continued Wrexham’s strong momentum, with the side having collected more points than any other team in the division since Christmas Day and 16 from a possible 18 on their travels.
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Rathbone, who signed a new contract earlier this week tying him to the club until 2028, struck in the 30th minute after Nathan Broadhead skipped past his marker and delivered the opening.
Despite the slender margin, Wrexham were forced to withstand sustained pressure, particularly late on, with goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo producing a stunning save to deny Sonny Carey a leveller.
Parkinson praised his side’s ability to dig in under fire.
“It was always going to be a hard game because Nathan Jones' teams give everything and they're fighting for points,” Parkinson said.
“But we showed incredible resilience to get the win. We came under a bit of pressure but the way we defended the box today was exceptional and it was important we saw it through.”
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He highlighted several pivotal moments that helped Wrexham hold firm.
“There were some key moments in the game. Brilliant blocks by (Issa) Kabore and (George) Dobson – then a brilliant finish from Ollie,” he said.
“Arthur made a save from their first shot on target – but what a save it was. We know Carey is lethal from those situations. He has hit it low and hard, through legs, and Arthur has produced a match-winning save.
“The way we defended the box today was exceptional. We knew, coming here, that it would be about first contacts from set-plays and general play.
“Think of how many times the ball came into the box today and it came back out with a Wrexham head on it or reacting to the second ball.”
Parkinson also acknowledged that Wrexham had chances to make the game more comfortable but credited his side for seeing it out.
“We had some gilt-edged chances in the second half and when you don’t take them it creates a bit of pressure. But we saw it through well,” he added.
Charlton manager Nathan Jones was left frustrated after watching his side create numerous opportunities without finding the net.
The Addicks have now failed to score more than once in any of their last 12 home matches, a run that continues to drag them towards the relegation battle.
“Never mind winning the game, or drawing the game, how we haven't scored three or four I don't know because it was dominant performance and I thought we were excellent,” Jones said.
“But we have to take chances because they weren't just half chances – and if you don't, that's what happens.”
Jones admitted he was “kicking myself” at the outcome but accepted that the contest demonstrated why Wrexham are again challenging near the top.
“Good sides find ways to win games, that's what they've done – and they are a good side,” he said.
“You don't win the games they have in a four-year period if you are not.
“At times they have to ride your luck and it's up you to punish them – we didn't and that was the difference. They have individuals that can win games and they find ways to do that.”
