Wrexham threw away a two goal lead in the EFL Trophy semi final to lose on penalties to Peterborough United.
Phil Parkinson’s men were just minutes away from booking their place at Wembley against League One rivals Birmingham City before a late equaliser from Bradley Ihionvein.
Wrexham made eight changes to their starting eleven and the likes of Modou Faal impressed in the Wrexham player ratings, taking his goal well with a fine chip.
George Dobson was also on the scoresheet and superb in midfield but it was the substitutes of Paul Mullin and Elliot Lee who missed the decisive penalties in the shoot-out and send the Red Dragons crashing out.
READ MORE: Five talking points as Wrexham stunned by Peterborough United in shock second-half collapse
Phil Parkinson highlights area to blame for Wrexham defeat
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel post match, Parkinson could not hide his frustration at his side throwing away a chance to reach a final at Wembley.
Parkinson stated: “We’ve got to take the lessons from tonight and know that when you’re leading in a game, you’ve got to make sure you concentrate and that we’re diligent in all areas of our play.”
The Wrexham boss went on to explain how his side should have put Peterborough to the sword when they were 2-0 up and ultimately the lack of ruthlessness has cost them the tie.
Parkinson explained: “We’ve got to show a ruthlessness in our game to go and score the next goal or certainly make sure you don’t concede because we gave a team who were really out on their feet a lifeline.”
Parkinson focus now solely on League One promotion
Although a chance at a trophy and a trip to Wembley would have been great for morale and confidence at the club, the result now means Wrexham have 14 games to focus on securing promotion.
Parkinson explained: “I said before every round the league is our number one priority and it always has been but when you get so close of course you want to finish the job off.”
Fans were impressed with Harry Ashfield in a midfield role during the defeat to Peterborough and before the game Parkinson hinted that he was looking at a number of options to replace Andy Cannon in his midfield.
Finding the right balance in his team selection will be key over the new few months and the boss has to pick his players up ready for a huge encounter against Bolton at the Racecourse Ground next up.