PHIL PARKINSON is delighted Wrexham’s crunch play-off semi-final showdown against Grimsby is at The Racecourse - but he saw at first hand how home advantage doesn’t always count.

The Mariners beat Notts County 2-1 in Monday’s National League eliminator at Meadow Lane to maintain their promotion challenge.

Parkinson was an interested onlooker as County took the lead but Grimsby equalised deep into stoppage time before scoring the winner late in extra-time.

County were unable to make the most of being at home in the one-off tie and the Reds boss doesn’t want the same thing to happen to his side, although he is expecting a tough game as both teams aim to secure their place in the final at West Ham United’s London Stadium on Sunday June 5.

“I went to it and I enjoyed the game,” said Parkinson, who was also due to attend last night’s other eliminator between Halifax and Chesterfield.

“I learnt from it. It was a competitive game as you would expect and Grimsby fought very hard.

“It wasn’t handed to them, and over the 120 minutes I'd say they probably deserved it.

“The work ethic came through.”

Wrexham avoided an eliminator after finishing runners-up behind champions Stockport County while Grimsby ended the season sixth in the standings to book their play-off berth.

But Parkinson knows final league position doesn’t mean anything now.

“Grimsby were top of the league at the start of the season,” said Parkinson.

“There are other big clubs in this league who have spent money, Grimsby and Notts County have done and we finished above both teams but that counts for nothing.

“What matters now is 12.30pm on Saturday and having a clear understanding of what is required.”