Wrexham have moved another step closer to a Wembley final after beating Crewe Alexandra 1-0 in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night.
League One action took a back seat as Phil Parkinson focused his attention on the EFL Trophy.
Wrexham coasted through the group stages with wins over Salford City and the Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21’s, as well as a draw against Port Vale.
League Two side Crewe Alexandra arrived for a knockout clash on Tuesday night and Wrexham just about managed to grind out another win.
Aaron James was the surprise match-winner, heading home Paul Mullin’s cross to secure Wrexham’s passage into the next round.
Parkinson praised James for his display with Wrexham moving one step closer to a potential Wembley final.
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Wrexham duo praised by Phil Parkinson
Wrexham weren’t exactly at their brilliant best but that was possibly do be expected as Phil Parkinson made a number of changes to his starting XI.
New signing Brad Foster impressed in goal and Parkinson has now praised two players from his back line.
Speaking on Wrexham Match Day Live on Wrexham’s official YouTube channel, Parkinson paid tribute to defenders Dan Scarr and Thomas O’Connor.
The duo have been out of the League One lineups of late but came in as experience heads alongside youngster James at the back.
Parkinson hailed both players, suggesting that they were simply ‘flawless’ against Crewe and highlighted their communication whilst helping James.
Parkinson thinks both players are unlucky not to be playing in the League One XI right now but is delighted to see them step up when called upon
“I mention Scarry and Tommy because, even though they haven’t played in the last few games, they’ve been part of a very solid defensive unit throughout the season and both are unlucky not to be in the team,” said Parkinson.
“As you’ve seen so far this season, we’ve got players who can slot in and the team isn’t weakened at all. I thought Scarry and Tommy were flawless in terms of their decision making, clearances, communication and helping young Aaron out so I’m very pleased with those two but I didn’t expect anything less because they’re good professionals,” he added.
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Dan Scarr and Thomas O’Connor sum up Wrexham depth
Wrexham have seen O’Connor take on midfield and defensive roles during his time at Wrexham and his ability as a natural left-footer provides balance when called upon.
Summer signing Scarr is a proven League One and even Championship defender who came into the starting XI with great effect earlier this season.
Scarr and O’Connor are two players who would walk into the starting lineups for many League One sides.
At Wrexham though, the pair are battling for first-team chances and having to catch Parkinson’s eye in EFL Trophy games.
That just goes to show the strength in depth Wrexham have created under Parkinson with the boss having an embarrassment of riches in certain areas.
Scarr and O’Connor may be back on the bench again this weekend but they will certainly play a significant part in any Wrexham success this season.