Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has praised wingback Ryan Barnett for his performance in the 1-0 win over Notts County this afternoon.
As Wrexham’s promotion rivals Stockport County lost and Crewe Alexandra drew, Phil Parkinson’s men took advantage by beating Notts County at the Racecourse Ground.
The Reds managed to build on their narrow 2-1 win over Sutton United in midweek as Stephen Fletcher’s acrobatic effort propelled them up to third, leapfrogging Crewe in the table.
After beating Notts County in that thrilling 3-2 win last season, coming out on top against the Magpies will always be a source of delight to supporters as they pulled 11 points clear of them in the table.
Parkinson was particularly impressed with how his side sealed the three points. They barraged their opponents with crosses into the box and penned them in their own half.
Ryan Barnett, who started over Luke Bolton at right wing-back, contributed hugely to their threat out wide and the Wrexham boss praised him for his display.
Phil Parkinson praises Ryan Barnett for his performance v Notts County
Bolton grabbed his first assist for the club on Tuesday night and many would have expected him to start this afternoon, however, Barnett justified Parkinson’s decision to drop him by putting in an exceptional display.
Speaking on Wrexham’s official YouTube channel after the match, Parkinson said: “If they go to a back four, Cameron will be up against Barney (Ryan Barnett), you know centre half playing left back. Give the ball to Barney because he’s tremendous in those situations and he produced some real good quality first half and second half.”
He instructed his Wrexham side to give the ball to Barnett at every opportunity and pump crosses into the box.
It’s a plan that worked as the 24-year-old had so much freedom down the right flank and struck fear into his opposite number, Kyle Cameron.
It’s Ryan Barnett’s spot to lose
Bolton was brought into the club to potentially usurp his competition and become Parkinson’s first choice in the right wing-back position.
If anything, though, it’s reaffirmed the stance that Barnett is still a hugely influential player for the Reds moving forward and the former Salford City player has a task on his hands to wrestle back that spot.
He produced 11 crosses, three successful dribbles and two key passes and although Parkinson will likely continue rotating that spot, the way he spoke about Barnett suggests he’s the favourite to take that position regularly.