WREXHAM BEAT PRESTON NORTH END 4-1 AT THE RACECOURSE

Wrexham beat Preston North End 4-1 at The Racecourse on Saturday and moved to 14th in the Championship. Manager Phil Parkinson said his players had responded to a 2-1 home defeat by West Brom the previous Tuesday. Preston entered the match bottom of the table. Wrexham fans showed their support for Parkinson before kick-off, and he thanked them afterwards.

Joe Worrall opened the scoring for Wrexham with his first goal in two years before Alfie Devine equalised for Preston. Former Preston midfielder Ben Whiteman restored Wrexham’s lead against his old club. Sam Smith and Kieffer Moore added two quick goals in the second half. “I thought the lads stood up and were counted today individually and collectively,” Parkinson said. He said the squad had examined where it needed to improve on Thursday and had put that work into practice against Preston.

Parkinson said he and his family had received “brilliant support” from Wrexham fans since he joined the club. He described the club’s recent injuries as probably the worst run during his time there. Parkinson said losing seven or eight quality players would affect any Championship team’s performances. He cited wins over Southampton and Preston as examples of Wrexham finding ways to secure results. Parkinson said he was determined to deliver a good season and looked forward to the coming week’s training.