PHIL PARKINSON wanted his players to focus on themselves rather than events elsewhere and the Wrexham manager was delighted with the response against Solihull Moors.

The Reds made the trip to Damson Park for Monday’s first game of the New Year knowing that National League leaders Notts County had been held to a 2-2 draw by Oldham Athletic the previous day.

Rather than be sidetracked by that result, Parkinson urged his players to concentrate on the job in hand and second placed Wrexham clinched a 2-1 win against Moors.

That leaves Wrexham two points behind County with a game in hand but with nearly half of the season remaining, the Reds’ boss is not getting carried away.

“Obviously we were aware, like everybody, of the results on Sunday and we are pleased that Notts County dropped points,” said Parkinson.

“But I spoke to the lads about just keep focussing on what we have got to do, there is such a long way to go in the season.

“There was half of the season still to play prior to the Solihull game and we have just got to keep producing performances.

“I just want us to focus purely on what we have got to do and the lads are doing well at the moment.”

Wrexham, who thrashed Solihull 5-0 at The Racecourse on Boxing Day, completed the double over Neal Ardley’s side to extend the unbeaten run to 17 games in all competitions.

“We knew what we had done well against Solihull and in spells we did it again,” said Parkinson.

“We didn’t get the goals that the second half performance warranted but there there were a lot of good qualities in the performance, particularly defending the set-plays.

“They have got a great delivery from the left-back and we had to stand strong as a team, and Mark Howard pulled off some really good saves in the first half.”

Jordan Tunnicliffe gave Wrexham an 11th minute lead with his first goal for the club and Parkinson knew it was only a matter of time before the centre-back opened his account.

“We always know Jordan is a threat on set-plays and he has come really close,” said the Reds’ boss.

“If you go back to the Scunthorpe game, he had two cleared off the line.

“I am pleased Jordan got his goal, he has done so well since he has come into the team.”

Solihull enjoyed a good spell after going behind but Wrexham were on top in the second half and Tom O’Connor doubled the advantage with a superb free-kick.

O’Connor is enjoyed a run in the side and the midfielder got the thumbs up from Parkinson who saw Solihull score a consolation goal in stoppage time.

“I am pleased for Tom,” added Parkinson.

“I thought he was excellent, he put in another accomplished performance.

“He has really grown into the role; it has taken him a while for a combination of reasons but as I have always said, he is a class player and that is a moment of pure class.”