O’Connell Attributes Wrexham’s Defensive Strength to Team Ethos

Eoghan O’Connell has stated that Wrexham’s exceptional defensive performance is a direct outcome of the “ethos” present within Phil Parkinson’s squad. Wrexham is set to travel to Burton Albion on Saturday, having recorded four clean sheets in their last five League One fixtures. Parkinson’s team has conceded merely 11 goals across 18 league matches this season, establishing them as having the most formidable defense in the third tier. “That gives the team a good base to build from,” commented centre-back O’Connell. He continued, “We work really well together. We have had some changes at the back and in goal, but it just shows the ethos of the team – we want to do it for each other, we want to defend, we want to run.” O’Connell added, “I think the clean sheets are a mark of that for everyone.” Wrexham, currently in second place, holds a narrow one-point lead over Birmingham City, who are in third position with two games in hand. This situation places pressure on Wrexham to maintain their strong form against a struggling Burton side. The Dragons’ most recent victory occurred on Tuesday against Barnsley, where Ollie Rathbone scored the decisive goal in stoppage time, securing their third consecutive win. “Against a team like Barnsley, a big club who have been in the Championship and have very high-level players at this level, to perform like we did and find a way to win is massive,” added former Charlton Athletic player O’Connell. He concluded, “It’s good confidence for us and we move on to Burton. We never take a game for granted. We will prepare the same as usual and go and try to put our stamp on the game.”