Media caption,

Wrexham upset by League Two side Harrogate Town

League Two Harrogate Town pulled off one of the upsets of the round, as they beat League One Wrexham 1-0 to reach the second round of the FA Cup.

The game's only goal came midway through the first half, as Jack Muldoon was left unmarked from a Harrogate corner, and his glancing header found the back of the net.

Despite starting the day 38 places higher in the Football League, Wrexham failed to carve out any meaningful chances for extended periods, as Harrogate defended diligently.

Wrexham's best chance for a leveller came just before the hour mark, but Harrogate goalkeeper James Belshaw denied George Dobson from close range.

The Sulphurites move on to the second round of the FA Cup for a fifth straight season, and will be in Sunday evening's draw.

Phil Parkinson's men, meanwhile, are out in the first round of the competition for the first time since 2021 - when they were also knocked out by Harrogate.

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

Paul Mullin has scored just one goal for Wrexham in League One this season

Wrexham made three changes from their 2-2 draw with Charlton on Saturday, and looked disjointed in the early stages despite an early chance for Ollie Palmer.

Harrogate had made two changes from their defeat to Notts County, including a start for Muldoon.

And it was the 35-year-old - who has not scored in League Two this season - who made the game's key contribution.

From an in-swinging corner, Muldoon found space at the near post between two Wrexham players, to glance a header past Arthur Okonkwo.

Harrogate goalkeeper Belshaw was needed when Dobson had the visitors' best chance from close range.

And when Belshaw was finally beaten by a late Mo Faal header, the offside flag came to the League Two side's rescue.

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson: "We dominated the first early exchanges. I thought our approach play really was good, but lacked conviction in our crossing and our finishing to get that goal.

"Then we've conceded a goal from a set play, which gave a team who are good at hanging in there - that's what they do – they did it our place last year; they're a backs-to-the-wall type team, and we gave them something to hang on to.

"Second half, we've pinned them in for practically the whole of the 45 minutes, got cross after cross in, got in positions, but couldn't find that moment of quality. If we're honest the conviction in around the box wasn't where it needs to be."

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