In stark contrast to Saturday’s frustrating draw with Sheffield Wednesday – Wrexham improved in the second-half against Preston having been under the cosh after conceding the second goal on 32 minutes.
Prior to the contest, Harry Ashfield spoke of his desire to play “as many games as possible” this season – and the 19-year-old did his Championship selection hopes no harm as he grew in confidence after the restart, scoring a crucial equaliser.
For all of Wrexham’s signings, it is refreshing to see academy product Ashfield feature.
“Harry Ash deserves to be in and around the squad because he trains well every day with quality. He’s a great lad and he gets better all the time time,” said Parkinson.
“He was up against Alfie Devine who is valued at a lot of money and a highly-thought of young player.
“I told him before the game, ‘what a test for you tonight. Afterwards, can the press be speaking about Harry Ashfield and not Alfie Devine?’ and over the 90 minutes he did that.”
Up front, Sam Smith and Ryan Hardie showed moments of promise.
Hardie scored his first goal for the club with a sublime equaliser that he modestly described as “decent” but was hailed by the manager for his “top class” movement.
Hardie said: “The more the merrier up front. If we can all chip in with the goals, it means the club’s only going to go in one direction.”
