WREXHAM weren't at their best but Phil Parkinson says winning is all that matters following the disappointing FA Cup exit.

The Reds were beaten 1-0 by League Two Harrogate in the first round of the cup last Sunday but marked their return to League One action by registering a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Mansfield Town in the top of the table clash at The Racecourse.

Ryan Barnett gave Wrexham a sixth minute lead and although the Stags - promoted from League Two alongside Parkinson's men last season - had chances to equalise, the home side also had opportunities to extend their advantage but one goal proved to be the difference.

The win, which extended the unbeaten run to five games in the league, keeps Wrexham third in the table and the Reds' boss said: "Obviously the result is great for us. It is good to get back to winning ways after losing in the cup.

"First half we let their front two dictate to us a little bit. We did better at that in the second half and the back-three gave us a platform to win the game.

"We are pleased to win and it was a very important win for us.

"You have got to give Mansfield respect because they are up there like ourselves on merit, they are a good team as their early season form has shown.

"Nigel Clough changed the team around a lot as the game went on, throwing on all kinds of different attacking options.

"They are a good side but we have done well against them. A lot of the games against Mansfield have been similar; very tight games and separated on key moments."

Wrexham dug deep to secure victory and Parkinson praised the way his players held firm, with Wrexham still four points off top spot.

“At times, it was a little bit tenser than I would have liked," he said.

"But you have got to make sure you stick together and grind out the results.

“That’s what it is all about over the course of 46 games. Good teams who end up at the top of the league can win all different types of matches.

“We have got to have the make-up in our team to make sure we roll up our sleeves when it is not all going our way and I felt we did that."

Barnett, who has been in excellent form all season with a number of assists, scored his first goal of the campaign with a superb strike after running at the Mansfield defence.

"Ryan is a great striker of the ball and that was a really good finish from him," added Parkinson.

"It was important for him to get that goal and the clearance in the second half; he got man of the match and I think those two moments in the game were defining moments, and he thoroughly deserves that."