AN own goal proved to be the difference as high-flying Wrexham registered a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Lincoln City at The Racecourse but Phil Parkinson hailed the build-up to the winning moment.

James McClean's low shot was turned into his own net by Imps defender Tendayi Darikwa in the 67th-minute to settle the League One contest.

George Dobson ran at goal before picking out McClean with a superb pass and the Reds' captain' finished off a flowing move with the help of Darikwa.

It proved to be the winner and although his side played much better in Saturday's 3-0 home success over Exeter City, Parkinson was confident Wrexham would find a way to unlock the Lincoln defence. 

"I felt a goal was coming," said the Reds' boss.

"We were contemplating the substitutions but then we unlocked the door and after that we had other moments to put the game out of sight.

"I always believe we will get a goal; sometimes you don't but if you keep putting the ball in the right areas and have enough attacking threat on the pitch which I felt we did, you hope a moment will come and it did.

"You can say it's an own goal but it was a great move.

"It's an outstanding run from George, a great pass and James has put the ball into the danger area and the lad has scored an own goal so there were lots of contributions from us which led to that goal."

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Parkinson expected a tough game against play-off chasing Lincoln and he praised his side for digging deep to secure another win and maintain the unbeaten home record.

"We always knew it would be that type of game because Lincoln are a good team," he said.

"They are a strong League One outfit and have had a good start to the season.

"It was always going to be tight and one moment separated the two teams.

"We had some great chances to make the game look more comfortable; Saturday was a great win for us and in a different type of way, this was a real gritty performance.

“Every game is different and you have to adapt. I thought the lads bought into what was needed."

Wrexham remain second in the table, four points behind leaders Wycombe Wanderers, and Parkinson says Reds supporters helped his side get over the line against the Imps.

"I thought the supporters were brilliant," he added. "They lifted us in that second half.

"They could sense it was a tough game like the Huddersfield match but the whole ground was right with us and got behind us on a cold Tuesday night.

"I really felt the supporters played their part."