Wrexham have closed the gap to Wycombe Wanderers after beating Mansfield Town 2-1 away from home on Sunday afternoon.
Wrexham were beaten by Leyton Orient in midweek and simply had to respond away Mansfield Town.
The Stags have been in dreadful form of late and Wycombe Wanderers only drew with Wigan Athletic on Saturday.
This was a perfect chance for Wrexham to close the gap to just three points – and Phil Parkinson’s side took it.
Mansfield’s Calum Macdonald scored in both nets in the first half, but Max Cleworth was the Wrexham hero with the winning goal after the break.
Wrexham could and probably should have scored more goals here but the three points are all that mattered.
Phil Parkinson rallied Wrexham fans late on
Bouncing back after that defeat to Leyton Orient was so important and Parkinson no doubt understood the magnitude – especially with Wycombe’s draw.
In fact, with five minutes to play, Parkinson decided to rally the Wrexham fans.
Parkinson’s dressing room rants have become the stuff of legend thanks to ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ and he is always giving referees and officials an earful.
Parkinson showed his passionate side again on Sunday, but this time turned it towards the travelling supporters.
As the ball went out of play in front of him, Parkinson focused towards the away fans and threw his arms up in the air, urging Wrexham supporters to get loud and get their players over the finishing line.
We have seen some frustrating late goals go against Wrexham and Parkinson will have wanted just that extra bit of support to secure the win.
Wrexham’s brilliant travelling fans responded with a real roar to cheer Parkinson’s men on to a crucial three points.
Parkinson sensed that the final stages could be nervy with Wrexham holding onto a one goal lead and, having made substitutions, seemingly felt that an extra bit of noise could provide that edge.
Wrexham saw out the end of the game brilliantly and sent those away fans home happy as Parkinson and co celebrate another win.
Another big night awaits for Parkinson and Wrexham
Parkinson didn’t want to let this opportunity pass him by and Wrexham secured a huge win in the League One promotion race.
As has often been the case in recent weeks though, the attention now turns straight back to the EFL Trophy.
Wrexham host Peterborough United on Wednesday night with a place in the EFL Trophy final up for grabs.
A win would see Wrexham join Birmingham City in the final at Wembley, teeing up a huge date in London.
Promotion is the ultimate goal for Wrexham but Parkinson would love a Wembley final – and his full focus will be on that game on the journey back to North Wales.