Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson wanted a reaction after last week’s 1-0 loss at Stockport County and, as Exeter City arrived at the Racecourse Ground, didn’t he just get one.
Three goals, three points, and a massive confidence boost for a Wrexham side back at their bludgeoning, belligerant best following a run of just two wins in six across all competitions.
Parkinson will be delighted, meanwhile, by a very welcome selection headache provided for him in the aftermath of that 3-0 thumping of Gary Caldwell’s Grecians.
Matty James made his first Wrexham start in League One. And in a display of trademark class and composure – Parkinson always felt James could play a ‘specialised’ role in front of the back four – the veteran playmaker may be in the XI to stay.
Elliot Lee was outstanding, not only with his creativity but also his pressing from a more advanced position. Operating in the sizeable shadow of sky-scraping centre-forward Ollie Palmer.
Lee assisted Max Cleworth’s opener with just seven minutes on the clock. And, after Palmer converted a delightful Ryan Barnett delivery, Ollie Rathbone converted from another classic Wrexham dead-ball with James McClean this time putting the ball on a sixpence.
Phil Parkinson hails Wrexham’s midfield trio as Matty James shines
Parkinson was happiest with the way Wrexham controlled proceedings in the centre of the park, however, keeping Exeter at arms’ length even if the visitors did dominate 54 per cent of the possession.
“I thought we played some great football. [We] got the control we looked for in the game with Matty James and Rathbone in the middle of the pitch,” Parkinson told reporters at full-time. “And Elliot changing his position gave us a different dynamic.
“All in all, it’s great to get back to winning ways. I thought from our set plays we looked such a threat. I thought the second goal [from Palmer] was as good a goal as we’ve scored.”
Parkinson confirmed that Wrexham fought off numerous clubs to bring James to the Racecourse Ground on a free transfer, months after his contract at second-tier Bristol City expired.
Following a sluggish start to life in Wales, 33-year-old James is finally showing the cultured passing range and invaluable experience Parkinson always knew he possessed.
“Matty was what we know he is a class player. Really pleased for him,” the boss adds. “[He] played at Port Vale, got cramp at the end and he’s waited patiently for his chance. That’s always frustrating when you come to a new club. He did come to us with an injury so he was a bit behind in his pre-season.
“We competed with clubs for his signature and he’s trained hard. We’ve had a lot of chats with him about him being frustrated and he’s handled it really well. He’s done really well when called upon in the cup games and he took his chance so well today.
“I am very pleased for him.”
Wrexham up to second as Birmingham City suffer surprise loss
Parkinson, who also described Rathbone’s tireless performance as ‘brilliant’, sees his Wrexham team move back up to second after Birmingham City slipped up at Shrewsbury Town.
“Exeter are a difficult team to break down. They’ve only conceded 10 goals this season,” Parkinson smiles. “I thought we played some great football.”
Exeter boss Gary Caldwell was left ruing Wrexham’s threat from set-piece situations, however, with all of his pre-match preparations amounting to very little on the day.