Wrexham AFC Manager Phil Parkinson Delighted To see his super subs make an impact
Wrexham came from behind to beat Port Vale in EFL Trophy
PHIL PARKINSON praised his super subs as Wrexham turned things around to beat Port Vale 2-1 in their final EFL Trophy group game at The STóK Cae Ras on Tuesday night.
Both clubs had already qualified for the knockout stages, with the Reds winning their opening two matches, but top spot was still up for grabs.
Parkinson made 11 changes from the side that started Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup first round victory at Mansfield Town and the Reds struggled to get going in the first half as League One outfit Vale led 1-0 at the break.
After making a bright start to the second half, Parkinson made a triple substitution on the hour mark with Paul Mullin, James McClean and James Jones coming off the bench, and it had the desired effect.
Mullin quickly equalised, slotting home his sixth goal of the season from McClean’s cross, and the Irishman headed home a late winner after getting on the end of Luke Young’s corner.
That was McClean’s first goal for Wrexham since joining from Wigan Athletic in August, ensuring the Reds made it a hat-trick of EFL Trophy victories heading into the last 32 of a competition they won in 2005.
All three replacements made a huge impact to Parkinson’s delight.
“Obviously I am pleased to win,” said the Reds’ boss.
“We were a bit disjointed first half, the make-up of the team probably contributed to that, but it was good experience for a couple of the young lads.
“I thought we started the second half well and a goal was coming.
“Then when we got the injection of quality from the bench, it changed the game for us.
“I was going to leave it a little bit longer but in my mind, we had a formation to go to if we needed to and we went to it.
“McClean, Mullin and Jones, that was a fantastic half-an-hour of football they put in.
“McClean scored one and made one; the cross he put in for Mullin’s goal was outstanding and Mullin finished it well, and then he got the header from the corner. He has been great for us since he has come in.
“We had other chances. Jordan Davies was unlucky not to score, the goalkeeper made an incredible save.”
Mullin, McClean and Jones didn’t get the night off like a number of other senior players but Parkinson said their attitude was “spot on”.
“I just wanted a bit of experience on the bench knowing there was going to be a decent crowd,” added Parkinson, who will be without Mullin and McClean for Saturday’s League Two clash at home Gillingham when the duo will serve one-match bans.
“The important thing when you put senior players on the bench is that their attitude is spot on.
“I am not surprised it was but it is still great to see those lads in the warm-up and in the dressing room encouraging the younger players, and then contribute like they did when they came on.”
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