Phil Parkinson says Wrexham ‘stunned’ by loss to Halifax in blow to title hopes

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson admitted his players were “stunned” after a 3-1 defeat at Halifax knocked them off top spot and dented their National League title chances.

Elliot Lee gave Wrexham an interval lead but their 28-game unbeaten league run was halted as Halifax hit back in the second half through Milli Alli’s brilliant double before Mani Dieseruvwe added a late third.

Wrexham’s first league defeat since early October dealt their automatic promotion hopes a blow as Notts County’s home win against Wealdstone lifted them above Parkinson’s side on goal difference.

Parkinson said: “The lads aren’t used to losing. They’re a bit stunned in there because we know we didn’t really deserve anything from that second period and the first period we had chances to be out of sight.

“The players are quiet because they care a lot and they’re used to winning.

“But today is a real reminder for us that in any game of football there’s no divine right to turn up and win. You have to be strong as a team and be resilient.”

Wrexham and now Notts County are the sixth and seventh teams in National League history to reach the 100-point mark.

They jointly hold a new league record of 106 goals scored in a season and Monday’s showdown between the two sides at The Racecourse Ground could prove to be a title decider.

“We’ve got a terrific game on Monday to bounce back,” Parkinson added. “They’ll be lifted by this result as we were when they lost to Dagenham (in February).

“We’ve come a long way on this run we’ve had, unbeaten and a great points return per game. Today is a bad day but let’s see what we’re all about on Monday.

“It hurts when you lose but management and players have to pick themselves up quickly and we will do that on Monday.”

A bumper Bank Holiday crowd of 7,863 at The Shay was swelled by 4,500 Wrexham fans and Halifax striker Dieseruvwe said that helped lift his side.

The Shaymen were also full of confidence after sealing a Wembley date next month in the FA Trophy final after last week’s penalty shootout win against Altrincham.

Dieseruvwe said: “There was something about today, the atmosphere and all the fans and everything, it just helped the boys and gave us an extra edge, 100 per cent.”

On two-goal Alli, signed in the summer following his release from Stockport, Dieseruvwe added: “He got a great two goals but he would have got an earful if he didn’t pass me that one, so I’m glad he put it on a plate.

“He’s been fantastic since he came into the team. He’s a top talent and I think has the potential to go all the way if he keeps his head down.”