Wrexham strengthened their hopes of winning the League Two title by beating Mansfield and James McClean has given his verdict after the match.
It promised to be a mouth-watering clash at the STōK Cae Ras and the match lived up to expectations as Wrexham secured a vital 2-0 victory over Mansfield to move level on points with the Stags.
While Paul Mullin delivered on the big occasion once more, netting a brace to take his tally to 99 goals for Wrexham, it was a Phil Parkinson tactical masterclass that won them the match.
The hosts knew they had to beat Mansfield to keep their title hopes alive, otherwise, a defeat would have left them trailing the leaders by six points.
Parkinson welcomed back James McClean for this game following his two-match suspension, slotting in at left wing-back to replace the injured Jacob Mendy.
McClean’s return to the starting XI came at a vital time and although he received a yellow card within three minutes for a dangerous tackle, the 34-year-old offered his usual energy and dynamism down the left flank.
The former Sunderland man has now given his reaction to the victory.
James McClean gives 10-word verdict on Wrexham win v Mansfield
If Mendy was fit to start at left wing-back, perhaps McClean would have replaced one of Tom O’Connor or Elliot Lee, but luckily he didn’t have to make that decision.
McClean was his usual ferocious self, winning eight of his 11 ground duels, making two tackles and completing five successful dribbles.
From a defensive and an attacking sense, the former Premier League star was brilliant and it isn’t a surprise Wrexham kept a clean sheet with him in the side.
Taking to Instagram after the game, McClean has dropped a 10-word verdict on the result.
He wrote: “Good Friday indeed.. enjoyable days work
“P.s cry some more.”
The “cry some more” jibe is about the tackle that saw him receive a yellow card at the start of the game, with many Mansfield fans believing it was a red card offence.
McClean is vital in promotion run-in
Not only can McClean play across multiple positions, but he’s also plied his trade at the highest level and those experiences will stand the Reds in good stead.
The veteran Irishman brings technique and leadership qualities that money can’t buy.
And while he can often overstep the mark in games, he’s vital to how Wrexham play and the fact he can slot into various roles.
With six matches left to go, Parkinson’s men are one point behind Stockport County, who they play on the final day.