Wrexham manager, Phil Parkinson has opened up about his side’s FA Cup fourth-round defeat to Blackburn Rovers.
This week saw Wrexham travel to Ewood Park to face Championship side Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup fourth round.
Coming into the game Phil Parkinson was full of optimism for a positive result. Come full-time, the home side showed their higher quality as they secured a 4-1 win.
The game began perfectly as Andy Cannon smashed an effort in from the edge of the box. Sammie Szmodics levelled the scores not long after as he latched onto a cutback inside the box.
The turnaround was complete as Sam Gallagher scored from range. Arthur Okonkwo rushed out and didn’t get there and left the goal open for 2-1. Blackburn were two in front just minutes before halftime as Szmodics grabbed his second. The result was confirmed as Sondre Tronstad slammed a loose ball into the top corner.
It wasn’t the result that anyone associated with Wrexham would have wanted but there was still something to be proud of.
Now Parkinson has opened up following the match about the game and gave thanks to the travelling fans on the night.
Parkinson on Blackburn defeat
The result was ultimately frustrating for the Reds as they might have been more optimistic heading into the game.
The FA Cup run of last season with Coventry and Sheffield United was memorable and this year looked like it could follow suit.
That dream is now over as Rovers proved too much for Wrexham and they were outplayed by the Championship side in the end.
Following the full-time whistle, Parkinson has opened up to the BBC and discussed individual moments of the game.
On that, he said: “First 5-10 mins were a bit edgy, then we got into the game, got the goal, had a great chance to go 2-0 up. The refs let them take the throw-in from 15 yards from where it should have been.
“The third was disappointing and the fourth one kills the game Then we looked dispirited, it was a tough night for us. It’s a great lesson for us. You’ve got to be switched on or you get punished. We’ve had some great nights but today wasn’t the night for us.”
Against opposition that are two leagues higher, the result can’t be seen as a surprise. The optimism got the better of them in the end it seems. Of course, individual decisions and moments had their effect but the home side’s class just shone through.
It is safe to say the Wrexham fans showed their best. On that, he added: “To have 7,000 supporters behind the goal. I’d love to have given them more fight. I thank them all for coming.An outstanding effort from all the people from Wrexham and we thank them.”
There is a lot to be proud of with this Wrexham side and this is just a minor setback on what has been an amazing journey.