Wrexham came agonisingly close to a trip to Wembley as a stoppage time equaliser led to a penalty shoot-out defeat in the EFL Trophy semi final.
Phil Parkinson was furious at his side’s lack of ‘ruthlessness’ as they failed to capitalise on a two goal lead given to them by Modou Faal and George Dobson strikes.
Wrexham fans were furious at match officials after it appeared that Peterborough goalkeeper Jed Steer moved off his line during the penalty shoot-out.
However, the Posh were more than deserving of their win after dominating the majority of the game and Parkinson will be concerned at how Wrexham allowed their opponents to take control once again. That will not be the only worrying factor from the game at the Racecourse Ground.
Phil Parkinson highlights Jacob Mendy fitness issue
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel post match, Parkinson praised a number of players that had come into the team for the semi final.
Parkinson stated: “A few of the lads that came in have been real bonuses for us tonight, we took the decision to make changes and obviously we spoke about that prior to the game, obviously utilising the squad.”
One of those players praised was Jacob Mendy however, Parkinson was also quick to point out a fitness issue with the left wing-back.
Parkinson explained: “I thought Mendy stuck to his task really well, hasn’t played a lot of football and was always going to tire to a certain degree.”
Parkinson will have issue of keeping players fit for League One run in
Now that Wrexham are out of the EFL Trophy, there are just 14 League One fixtures remaining in the season and no scope for rotation.
In a promotion push, the manager will want to ensure his best eleven are out on the pitch whenever possible however, it does mean that the rest of the squad are not being given match practice.
Inevitably, injuries, suspensions and loss of form will hit and it is now a worry that the likes of Mendy and Paul Mullin will not be match fit if called upon.
Wrexham’s first-team squad depth is the envy of much of the division however, that comes with its own pitfalls as players are simply not ready to step up when required.