Wrexham have missed out on a place in the EFL Trophy final but have at least been able to welcome a key player back to first-team action.
Wrexham fans everywhere are no doubt still feeling the pain and frustration of Wednesday night’s EFL Trophy disaster.
Phil Parkinson’s side were 2-0 up against Peterborough United with one foot in the final after goals from Modou Faal and George Dobson.
Wrexham collapsed in the second half though with Peterborough pulling one back through Malik Mothersille before Bradley Ihionvien’s injury-time equaliser.
That sent the game to penalties and Peterborough prevailed with Jed Steer saving from both Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee to send the Posh through.
Darren Ferguson wanted to spoil a potential ‘Hollywood’ final and got his wish as Wrexham squandered a chance to meet Birmingham City in the final.
Phil Parkinson on Elliot Lee return
Wrexham were in a great position to win the game but managed to throw it all away.
Phil Parkinson’s side had just 30% of possession and Peterborough ultimately did enough with that possession to force penalties and and eventual victory.
Wrexham fans no doubt feel pretty low after that defeat but there is little time for commiserations as Parkinson prepares his side to face Bolton Wanderers this weekend.
One boost from Wednesday’s defeat was the return of Elliot Lee.
Lee has been out of action after a road traffic accident earlier in February, keeping him on the sidelines.
Parkinson felt that Lee wasn’t ready to face Mansfield Town but brought him off the bench against Peterborough.
Lee may have seen his penalty saved in the shootout but his return is a major boost to Wrexham’s midfield ranks with Andy Cannon facing a lengthy injury lay-off.
Parkinson has now told BBC Sport that Lee has actually returned quicker than expected and offers a real ‘bonus’ for Wrexham despite Cannon’s injury and the defeat to Peterborough.
“I’m frustrated for Andy, I really feel for Andy Cannon because he’s a great lad,” said Parkinson.
“But Elliot coming back is a bonus because that is probably a little bit earlier than we anticipated so now we’ll look to pick the team for the weekend which is ready to go and get us another win,” he added.
Wrexham may have found Elliot Lee’s competition
We really wanted Wrexham to sign another playmaker in January with competition needed for Lee.
Parkinson seemingly didn’t quite agree, preferring to sign two strikers in the January window instead.
Lee’s absence meant Ollie Rathbone’s goalscoring quality was more vital than ever but Wrexham may well have stumbled upon another option in an attacking midfield role.
Parkinson started Harry Ashfield against Peterborough United, explaining that he wanted the teenager to step up and show that he can compete against a League One team.
Ashfield dazzled Wrexham fans with his performance indicating that he deserves more minutes moving forward.
That would be perfect for Wrexham, allowing Lee to rest a little more whilst bringing through a top homegrown talent for the future.
For now though, Lee’s return is a major boost and fans will hope to see him make a big impact against Bolton Wanderers this weekend.