Wrexham beat Hull City on penalties to advance into the second round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night.
Wrexham were dumped out of the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle last year, falling to defeat at Sheffield United.
Phil Parkinson was staring down the barrel of another first-round exit on Tuesday night, with Wrexham falling 3-1 down in the second half.
Ollie Palmer became the Wrexham hero, scoring two headers in a matter of moments to secure a 3-3 draw and a penalty shoot-out.
Wrexham prevailed to win on spot-kicks, booking a place in the second round having been moments away from elimination.
Wrexham learn Carabao Cup second round opponents
The EFL have now completed the draw for the second round, and Wrexham will take on Preston North End.
PNE beat Barrow 1-0 on Tuesday night to book their passage into the second round of the competition.
Wrexham are already facing PNE twice this season, and both games take place in December.
Parkinson’s side will now head to Deepdale a little earlier than first expected, with a place in the third round up for grabs.
Long-term Wrexham target Michael Smith joined PNE over the summer and will be in line to face off against Parkinson in this clash.
Wrexham certainly have nothing to fear with this trip to Lancashire and have a great chance to reach the third round.
The tie will be played in the week commencing 25 August, just days after Wrexham host Sheffield Wednesday at the STōK Cae Ras.
Phil Parkinson’s connection to Preston North End
It’s been a while since Wrexham played at Deepdale, and the short trip should attract plenty of visiting fans.
This game will mean a lot to Parkinson and his family, as his mother and father grew up supporting PNE.
Parkinson was born in Chorley, just outside of Preston, and he told ‘Welcome to Wrexham’ (Season 1, Episode 30) that his family were North End fans.
“Growing up, I can remember going to watch games with my dad, my brother and friends,” said Parkinson
“My mum and dad, actually, were Preston North End fans over in Lancashire. They were season ticket holders at Preston when they grew up,” he added.
The Parkinson family will surely be in attendance when Wrexham visit Deepdale later this month, potentially with some split loyalties.