Wrexham fight pleases Parkinson amid Windass blow

Josh Windass was Wrexham's player of the season in 2025-26 [PA Media] Phil Parkinson says Josh Windass' injury "doesn't look too good" but expressed his delight with Wrexham's fighting spirit as they earned a point at Derby County. Windass was forced off through injury shortly after Sam Szmodics' had given the Rams the lead at Pride Park. But Ollie Rathbone's close range strike in the 88th minute earned the visitors a point in Derbyshire. "When you concede a great goal, it came from us having a shot on the edge of the box, and he's [Szmodics] smashed in an unbelievable goal," said Parkinson. "We probed and couldn't quite find that moment in the first half and had a few situations, but credit to the lads, they kept going. "The quality wasn't always where we needed it to be, but I don't think anyone can fault us for keeping chipping away. "Finally the moment came, a brilliant cross from Danny [Imray], a great header back from Kieffer [Moore], and Ollie which he's done so many times for us getting important goals." On the injury sustained by last season's top scorer Windass, Parkinson added: "It doesn't look too good which is a real shame for Josh because he's had a brilliant three weeks. "He missed the whole of pre-season and he was really getting into form I felt, and you could see that in training. "We won't know the full extent of it probably until tomorrow." Late Rathbone strike earns Wrexham a point at Derby Ker will be missed at Wrexham - Parkinson Wrexham were without several other players at Derby, including Callum Doyle, Ben Sheaf, Matty James and Liberato Cacace. Doyle had played every minute for the Red Dragons this season prior to the draw with the Rams while Sheaf made his long-awaited return to action in the 2-1 victory over Southampton before the international break. Following what had been an encouraging extended international break, Parkinson revealed he was dealt a number of late blows ahead of the contest with John Eustace's side. "We had three weeks off and everything was going OK, then Sheafo struck a ball and his groin opened up," he said. "Doyle, he got up on Wednesday morning with a problem with a tendon in his groin. I don't think it's too serious. "Matty James had a back spasm and we had to send him for an epidural today. "In that same session, Dom Hyam went in for a challenge and he was touch and go. "We're scratching our heads a bit, but that happens, and that's what the squad's for. "We brought Joe [Worrall] in who did well and we moved Dom to the left. "The quality level at times wasn't where we needed it to be to have won the game but I don't think, under the circumstances, you can fault the lads in terms of sheer endeavour." Latest Wrexham news, analysis and fan views Wrexham AFC