Wrexham Eyes Final Push Against Middlesbrough
Wrexham have secured three consecutive promotions under the guidance of manager Phil Parkinson.
Parkinson has stated that Wrexham will be prepared for their pivotal match against Middlesbrough after reaching their initial objective of pushing the Championship play-off competition to the final stages.
The Red Dragons were positioned four points behind the top six with just four games remaining this season.
Despite a 3-1 defeat to champions Coventry City, Wrexham enter their fixture with Middlesbrough at the Racecourse Ground on Saturday, 2 May (12:30 BST) occupying sixth place.
"A few weeks ago we were four points adrift and the aim was to go right to the wire in the battle to get into the play-offs," said Parkinson.
"With over 45 games gone, we've achieved that. We're all set for next week."
Latest Wrexham News, Analysis and Fan Views
Coventry Victory May Impact Wrexham's Play-Off Hopes
With one regular season match remaining, Wrexham currently sit above seventh-placed Hull City on goal difference and hold a one-point lead over Derby County, who are in eighth place.
This is a situation Parkinson describes as one his team would have accepted "all day long."
Ollie Rathbone, who scored his eighth goal of the season across all competitions during the loss at Coventry, remarked that the team's disappointment in defeat to Frank Lampard's champions reflects the progress Wrexham have made throughout the Championship campaign.
"At the start of the season, everyone would have taken this scenario," said Rathbone.
"It shows how much the team has evolved that we've come to the best team in the division and we're disappointed that we've not taken anything away.
"I'm hugely proud of that growth, but ultimately it's disappointing today."
What Wrexham, Hull, and Derby Need in the Top Six Race
Depending on the result of Tuesday night's crucial match between Southampton and Ipswich Town, Middlesbrough—already assured of a play-off position—could arrive in North Wales next weekend still contending for automatic promotion.
However, midfielder Rathbone emphasized that Wrexham must concentrate exclusively on securing three points against Kim Hellberg's side to maximize their chances of extending their season.
"There's so many permutations where you're looking at other results. They're intense," added Rathbone.
"I think you've just got to try and be as calm as possible, play the game as you would normally and hope you've done enough.
"I think over the 45 games we've built a reputation that we'll give everyone a game.
"We'll just go at it full blast and hopefully we'll be celebrating after."
