Phil Parkinson said watching Jay Rodriguez in training proved why he was right to keep the former Burnley striker on penalty duty.
Rodriguez, 35, thumped home a 60th-minute spot-kick to wrap up Wrexham's 2-0 win at Exeter City, a result that kept them in the League One automatic promotion places.
It was Rodriguez's second goal since making the switch to north Wales in the January transfer window – and his second in as many games after breaking his duck in last week's win over Stockport County.
The Stockport goal also came following a Rodriguez spot-kick, but only after he saw his initial effort saved and struck on the rebound.
The once-capped England frontman called last weekend's missed penalty the worst of his career.
But he remained on spot-kick duties at St James Park after Parkinson kept a close eye on the veteran as they prepared for the Exeter trip.
The Wrexham boss said: "There was no hesitation from me. He's an experienced player who's been at the top level. It was great for him to get his goal last week.
"There was a few taking penalties in training on Friday and I watched them closely. He was very confident and I was confident in him stepping up today."
Rodriguez slammed the ball home in front of the 900 travelling Wrexham fans as the Welsh club claimed a first win which came by more than a one-goal margin since beating Northampton six weeks ago.
Wrexham had won four of their past five games by a 1-0 scoreline having won 16 games by a single goal – the most in the division.
With Rodriguez adding to Rathbone's 23rd-minute opener, Parkinson said: "We did speak about it at half-time; Exeter would have the wind with them, attacking that noisy terrace.
"But we didn't sit back, we took the game to them with some really good play – and a second goal makes it more comfortable on the touchline and for our supporters."
