Phil Parkinson was left seething at full-time as a ‘blatant’ decision went against Wrexham in their defeat against Sheffield United.
Wrexham were knocked out at the first round stage of the Carabao Cup by Sheffield United on Tuesday night after succumbing to a 4-2 defeat.
The Reds took the lead in the contest through Will Boyle’s first-half strike but the hosts responded through Auston Trusty to go in level at the break. A Lewis Brunt own goal, a strike from Louie Marsh and Anis Ben Slimane’s fourth took the game away from Wrexham before Sebastian Revan netted a consolation.
Phil Parkinson’s men can be proud of their performance away at Championship opposition, although the Wrexham boss was left aggrieved by one decision that was given against him which ultimately changed the game.
Referee apologises to Phil Parkinson at half-time after ‘blatant’ mistake
Sheffield United equalised proceedings 10 minutes before half-time as Trusty’s powerful header crept over the line, despite James Jones’ best attempts of clearing the ball.
This goal putting the hosts on level terms ahead of the interval gave them more of the impetus, and Parkinson was left angry knowing it shouldn’t have stood.
While Lewis Brunt was blocked off by Harry Souttar, Ben Slimane also prevented Boyle from attacking the ball by grabbing hold of him.
Parkinson admitted after the game that the referee apologised for his error at half-time, highlighting his disappointment at them missing such a ‘blatant’ foul.
Speaking to the club’s official YouTube channel, the Wrexham boss said: “I felt the goal they scored should never have stood, it was a clear block, the refs apologised to us at half-time.
“But I think it is a subtle block, I see how the officials miss it but it’s an absolute blatant block right in front of the referee, I’m disappointed with that.”
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Being knocked out of the cup could be a blessing for Wrexham
The Carabao Cup would have allowed Parkinson to rotate his big squad and give some of his fringe players such as Jones and Sam Dalby rare starts.
That opportunity has come to an abrupt end after being knocked out by the Blades and whilst it’s disappointing, it could be a blessing to Wrexham in the long run.
Wrexham can now focus on their league ambitions, where they’ll hope to challenge for at least the play-offs in League One.
Parkinson’s men got off to the perfect start against Wycombe on Saturday however, this Sunday they’re against Bolton Wanderers, a side that have come close to promotion in the last two seasons.
This will be a test of where the Reds are currently at and whether they’re capable of not just pushing the top six but challenging for the automatic spots too.
Coming away from the Toughsheet Stadium with a victory would surely send a message to their rivals as they attempt to pull off a third successive promotion.