Wrexham: Phil Parkinson's tactical masterstroke looks to be paying dividends: View | OneFootball

Wrexham continue their pursuit of back-to-back promotions this weekend as they travel to Morecambe on Saturday afternoon.

The Red Dragons have seen their form drop dramatically over the past month, losing three of their six League Two fixtures in February and, as a result, have seen their advantage in the top three narrowed by Crewe Alexandra, who sit just two points behind them.

Despite Phil Parkinson's side's recent slump, they returned to winning ways last Saturday with a comfortable away win at Accrington Stanley, and now sit just three points behind leaders Mansfield Town ahead of their top of the table clash at the end of the month.

Their win over Accrington was their first league success since the middle of February when they beat National League rivals Notts County at the Stok Cae Ras, with their most recent victory masterminded by one of their most experienced senior players.

Position change crucial to Wrexham returning to winning ways

Ahead of the game, Wrexham had failed to win their previous three fixtures, having controversially drawn with MK Dons, losing away to play-off hopefuls Gillingham and managing just a point against Forest Green Rovers.

Parkinson knew a change was needed, and made three ahead of the game against Accrington, including bringing Jacob Mendy into the side at left-wing back, McClean's usual position, for midfielder Luke Young, with the former Republic of Ireland international moved into central midfield alongside Elliot Lee and Andy Cannon.

It proved to be an inspired change and paid dividends just before the half-hour mark when McClean's relentless pressing in midfield saw him win the ball from Dan Martin and slide the ball on to Paul Mullin, who took aim from outside the area and found the bottom corner for his second of the afternoon.

Despite not being a natural position for the 34-year-old, McClean has made that central position his own, starting three of the last four games in midfield, giving his manager fresh ideas as they move close to the final 10 games of the season.

His introduction to the midfield has seemingly given the engine room more balance, with McClean being a left-footed player, while not losing energy and grit to get the ball high and push the ball into the forward areas.

But with that, comes a risk.

McClean picked up a booking in the 75th minute of the encounter with Accrington, taking his season tally to nine for the season.

With two games left until the next cut-off point for suspensions, the 34-year-old will be walking a tightrope this weekend along with midfielder Lee, who is on eight yellow cards.

Continuity is key given Wrexham's recent success, and losing both those players for two matches in the run-in may result in McClean missing the home game against Harrogate Town next week, should he come through his latest test unscathed.

Ahead of their final 11 games of the season, Wrexham have one of the more favourable run-ins when compared to their automatic promotion rivals.

Following the game against Morecambe this weekend, they return to The Stok Cae Ras for two consecutive home ties against Harrogate and Tranmere Rovers, before going back on the road to Blundell Park to face Grimsby Town.

But upon their return to north Wales, they welcome current league leaders Mansfield in what could decide who finishes the season as champions, with Stockport County of course having a say in that outcome.

They start April with another away trip to Doncaster Rovers, with their final two games of the season at the end of the month fixtures that will be watched with wandering eyes by those in the Football League.

Before their season finale at home to Stockport, Wrexham travel to Crewe in their penultimate game of their first season back from the non-league, and if the promotion equation remains as tight as it currently is, could be another nerve-racking experience for Hollywood owners Ryan Reynold and Rob McElhenney do endure.

Parkinson will need to call upon all the experience he has to push the North Wales side over the line for promotion, and with the likes of McClean pushing them forward from his new position, they are in a better position than many to do just that.