Wrexham’s promotion push continues on Friday afternoon as Bristol Rovers visit the STōK Cae Ras in a huge game.
Wrexham drew 0-0 at Wigan Athletic last weekend as Phil Parkinson’s side failed to register a shot on target.
Parkinson knows Wycombe Wanderers are breathing down Wrexham’s neck, sitting just one point adrift.
The race for second place in League One is still in Wrexham’s hands but this clash with Bristol Rovers is a must-win game.
Inigo Calderon has branded his side a ‘League Two’ team after six defeats in a row in League One.
Wrexham must take advantage with a victory and hope for a favour from Bolton Wanderers as they host Wycombe.
Max Cleworth on Wrexham promotion push
This situation is not an unfamiliar one for many Wrexham players.
Back-to-back promotions mean that Parkinson and his Wrexham squad are well aware of what’s required at this stage in the season.
Max Cleworth may only be 22, but the Wrexham defender has become stalwart of these promotion run-ins.
Cleworth has emerged from the Wrexham ranks and is now chasing a third straight promotion under Parkinson.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Cleworth admitted that the prospect of a third promotion in a row is being spoken about in the Wrexham dressing room.
Cleworth did though send a warning to his teammates ahead of facing Bristol Rovers, reminding his fellow Wrexham stars that the record over the course of the season ‘counts for nothing’ now as Wrexham enter a four-game shootout for promotion.
“It is something we talk about, we’re not going to hide away from it – and I’m sure others are doing the same because it’s something we’re all aiming for,” said Cleworth.
“We know how important the next four games are and we don’t take any games for granted – a lot can change quickly over Easter with two games, and the past record counts for nothing,” he added.
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Max Cleworth has a wise head on young shoulders
Cleworth’s wise words for such a young player just go to show the mentality and maturity he possesses.
So much focus of this Wrexham rise has been placed on Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, as well as the signings coming in under Phil Parkinson.
Cleworth’s rise from homegrown talent to one of the first names on the team sheet has been brilliant to watch, though, and you understand why he has enjoyed so much success when you hear him speak.
The Wrexham defender has the composure and mindset of a much more experienced player and he continues to take each step of this journey in his stride.
Not many players can make the step up from National League to League One look so seamless in such a short space of time.
Cleworth has been exceptional all season long and is now looking to add another promotion to his record, even warning his teammates about potential pitfalls.
We would put Cleworth as a Player of the Season contender for Wrexham and would certainly back him to shine again in the Championship – if Wrexham can get there.