PHIL PARKINSON hailed the brilliant support after Wrexham kicked-off the pre-season tour to North America by holding Premier League side AFC Bournemouth to a 1-1 draw in California.

The Reds are preparing for the new League One campaign with a three-game trip across the pond and there was a sell-out crowd at Harder Stadium in Santa Barbara for the opening clash with the Cherries.

Wrexham took the lead just before half-time when James McClean’s corner was headed into his own net by James Hill but Bournemouth, who finished 12th in the top flight last season, levelled early in the second period.

Parkinson, who changed the entire team just after the hour mark, praised fans for the tremendous backing his players received in searing temperatures. 

"It was great, it was a really good atmosphere," Parkinson told the club's YouTube channel.

"The crowd was really involved in the game and they gave both teams a fantastic reception at the end.

"I thought it was well deserved because both teams came to play in a real competitive manner and it was a good game.

"When you have got a packed stadium like we had, there are certain expectations but that can lift levels.

"All round there were lots of positives for us individually and collectively."

Parkinson praised his players’ all-round display as Wrexham gave a good account of themselves against their Premier League opponents.

"You've seen the work that the lads have put in on the training pitch and we've taken it into the game," said the Reds' boss.

"It is so important that we did because we are on the tour and it's great to see all the supporters who have come out to watch us but equally, we have got to make sure we come out of the game with benefit and physically, tactically, technically, I think we got all those things out of the game.

"We will have a good review of it as staff but it is a good step for us."

Wrexham remain in California for the second tour match and Parkinson is expecting another tough test against Premier League giants Chelsea in Santa Clara tomorrow before heading to Canada for the first time to face Vancouver Whitecaps at BC Place on Saturday.

"It's a great game for us," he added.

"When you play Premier League teams, the work can be your out of possession stuff but I felt on the counter attack we looked dangerous and we had periods with the ball ourselves.

"But that is a good exercise. It is hard work when you haven't got the ball for periods like we did certainly in parts of that first half but we restricted Bournemouth to very little and that is a credit to the work that we have done on the training pitch, and the lads have taken it into the game.

"Lots of work to be done, we know that, but it was very enjoyable and we go back to our base ready to prepare for the next game."