Wrexham get referee apology for Cambridge penalty

Josh Stokes' penalty two minutes into the second half gave Cambridge United the lead against Wrexham before Sam Smith levelled to earn a point

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says he has received an apology from the referee for the penalty awarded to Cambridge United in Tuesday's 2-2 draw.

Referee Thomas Parsons awarded Cambridge a penalty when Ryan Loft went down in the area after a challenge from Lewis Brunt, with Josh Stokes converting the spot kick.

Parkinson described it as "one of the worst penalty decisions I've seen" but said English Football League (EFL) refereeing chief Mike Jones had since contacted him to say that the referee had made an error.

"The referee has accepted there was no contact and has apologised," Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.

"You've got to respect his honesty for that.

"He can't go back and change his decision but at least he's reflected, looked at it from the angles I was able to do straight after the game. We move on.

"Sometimes certain situations are out of our control but I was pleased with the way we responded to that."

Sam Smith rescued a point for Parkinson's side, who remain second in League One and three points ahead of third-placed Wycombe Wanderers.

After securing a point at Cambridge in midweek, Wrexham face another side battling relegation on Saturday – Burton Albion.

"Not that any game at this stage of the season will be taken lightly but Burton's form is that of a top-10 team," Parkinson added.

"We've got to make sure we've give them the utmost respect because they've done really well and given themselves a fighting chance.

"They've done well."