Wrexham: Championship promotion contenders coming into their own before Chelsea FA Cup tie

They are far from the finished article, but since losing to Swansea in the last weekend before Christmas, Wrexham have taken more points than anyone else in the Championship.

“If you look at the group since that Christmas period you can really feel a change in the group,” added Dobson. “There’s a real togetherness, a confidence and there’s a belief too.

“We’ve got to keep that going, try not to look too far ahead and – after Chelsea – get back to those last 11 games and see where it takes us. But we’re in a good place.”

Parkinson had said the weekend win was important to allow his team to enjoy and embrace the Chelsea challenge, not to mention avoid accusations of losing focus on the league and that bid to meet top-flight sides on a more regular basis.

Rathbone almost laughed at the suggestion the players would be allowed to take their eye off the ball because “it’s ingrained in us – the next one is the only one that matters”.

It’s just they are mattering a little more with every step towards the Championship climax.

Wrexham, though, look to be taking it in their stride.