PHIL PARKINSON praised the discipline of his players as Wrexham held firm to beat Notts County 1-0 and clinch a "huge win" in the quest for a second successive promotion.

Steven Fletcher's 20th minute goal was the difference between the sides as the Reds clinched a second win in a row and climbed up to third place in League Two, three points behind leaders Mansfield and two adrift of second placed Mansfield, with a game in hand on both.

The Magpies enjoyed the majority of possession but despite being put under pressure during spells, Wrexham held firm and enjoyed a brilliant opening to the second half when they were a real attacking threat and had chances to increase their lead.

Parkinson hailed the performance as a thrilling contest ended in a hard-fought win for the Reds.

"It was a hard game," he said. "Notts are a good side, we know that, and there is always an edge between the two teams.

"I thought it was a really good game, a great advert for the division, and we showed a lot of sides to our game.

"We looked dangerous at times, probably not enough in the first half, but we had to be disciplined without the ball and I thought we were superb in that first half.

"Arthur Okonkwo when called upon made some saves and we upped our game for the first 20 minutes of the second half.

"We needed that next goal and it didn't come in that period, Notts threw caution to the wind towards the end and we had to go back into that real disciplined mindset.

"The lads put in a real shift, that is a proper performance and it is a huge win for us.

"I always say how hard it is to win games. You have got to work so hard, that is what we have always done and we showed that in abundance."

Fletcher's seventh goal of the season secured victory, with the striker reacting quickest under a challenge by smashing the ball into the net following Ryan Barnett's cross.

"Barney produced some real good quality first half and second half," said Parkinson.

"You don't want anyone else in the box; Fletch, when it comes to him, is such a threat."

Wrexham were on top after the half-time interval and had chances to double their lead, with Will Boyle and Aaron McClean both hitting the woodwork.

Although the second goal never arrived and the game hung in the balance, Parkinson was pleased with the attacking display.

"We felt at half-time that we could do better in possession ourselves," he said.

"The lads took that on board and did really well.

"We got the balance of our play and went up a notch in that second period.

"Some of the attacking play was really good for the first half of the second half."