10 April 2023 , 06:00
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Phil Parkinson admitted his Wrexham players must improve and "play better" when they host Notts County on Easter Monday after falling to a damaging 3-1 defeat against Halifax.
The Red Dragons suffered their first defeat in 27 National League matches at the Shay Stadium on Good Friday, despite Elliot Lee's first-half strike. It was a disappointing performance from Wrexham as they travelled back to North Wales empty handed - and down a place in the table.
Wrexham were knocked off top spot courtesy of Notts' 3-0 win over Wealdstone with both sides now on a mammoth 100 points - although only one team can go up automatically. Notts have a superior goal difference but Parkinson's side do have a game in hand in their pursuit of a return to the Football League.
Parkinson said: "Whatever the score was on Friday and however Notts did, we will approach the game in a positive way and we need to play better as we did [against Halifax].
"We have got to be honest, after the goals they got, they were hungrier all over the pitch, and we need to show more fight as a team to get through that period. We have done that all season, we have had goals against us in games and we have responded really well. But on Friday, we didn't and we need to look at that and respond."
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He added: "We are not pleased that we lost on Friday with the amazing support we had, the lads aren't used to losing and they were a bit stunned in the changing room because they know we didn't deserve anything in the second period.
"Friday was a reminder for us that there is no divine right to turn up to win, you have to be strong as a team and you have to be resilient because in any game, the opposition are going to have chances and be on top."
Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson (Getty Images)Wrexham have been excellent for the vast majority of the season and looked on course to head back to the fourth tier for the first tier. Before the double-header against Halifax and Notts, Hollywood star and owner Ryan Reynolds said on Instagram : "A big few weeks ahead for Wrexham FC. Nervy as hell."
Although the defeat at Halifax has put a bump in the road, the Red Dragons will be eager as ever to bounce back when Notts make the trip to the Racecourse Ground. With five matches to go, Parkinson is aware of the importance of every game - none much so than the blockbuster affair against Notts.
"As the season draws to a close, of course the games become even more important," Parkinson said. "After coming off such a convincing win last week, it was almost as if we weren't ready to respond [against Halifax] and defend properly. They are a honest group of players and we will respond on Monday with a strong performance."