Wrexham were under immense pressure heading into their clash with Blackpool.
Andy Morrell questioned Phil Parkinson after the 1-1 draw with Bristol Rovers at the Racecourse Ground for his team selection and tactics during the clash.
However, Parkinson’s side responded with an excellent performance in their 2-1 win over Blackpool to wrestle back the initiative in the fight for League One promotion.
Matty James ‘pulled the strings’ in midfield, whilst Wrexham fans hailed Dan Scarr for his performance in central defence. However, there was one Wrexham star that went under the radar and broke a seven game record in the clash.
Ryan Longman breaks tackle record in Wrexham win
Ryan Longman’s performance at Bloomfield Road went under the radar as the right wing-back produced a different type of display to his usual creative and exciting show.
Longman won more tackles than any other player on the pitch as he did his defensive work admirably in supporting Max Cleworth and with his total of four, it was more than any other Wrexham player in their last seven games.
Phil Parkinson’s message before Blackpool to his players was that he wanted them to be ‘positive’ in their actions and Longman certainly showed he was listening to the message.
He has impressed since his January arrival from Hull with his ability to beat a man and deliver a cross but it was the other side to his game that stood out in the win over Steve Bruce’s side.
Wrexham’s ‘positive’ performance needs to be repeated v Charlton
Charlton Athletic are the next opponents for the Red Dragons and they are a team in form following a 4-0 thumping of promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers.
The reverse fixture was a 2-2 draw after Andy Cannon’s strike was cancelled out by a 97th minute equaliser from the penalty spot by Matty Godden.
Nathan Jones has aimed a dig at Wrexham already in the build up to the clash but all that Parkinson’s side need to do is focus on replicating their wonderful display from the Blackpool game.
Do that and Wrexham will give themselves the best possible chance of keeping promotion in their own hands and if results go their way, possibly even secure the feat with a win.