Wrexham

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Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson says there is no "silver lining" to their FA Cup first round exit at Harrogate but insists there is still an "incredibly exciting season" ahead.

And Parkinson has told his players they must "dust themselves off" ready for a big League One game against promotion rivals Mansfield Town next weekend.

The Hollywood-owned north Wales club have enjoyed high-profile runs to the fourth round of the FA Cup in both the last two seasons.

However, despite dominating in front of the TV cameras at the Exercise Stadium on Sunday, they were beaten 1-0 by their League Two opponents.

"I've been on the giant-killing side of it many times and today we came here, picked a strong team, took the game really seriously, obviously," said Parkinson.

"Do I think there's a lack of effort out there? I really don't. I thought the lads gave us their all to get back in it, it's just that quality when it was needed the most."

Wrexham had 62.5% possesion in the game and outshot Harrogate by 21 efforts on goal to nine, but could not force an equaliser to the Sulphurites' first-half goal which saw Jack Muldoon left unmarked to head home from a Harrogate corner.

"I don't think there is a silver lining because I'm disappointed with the dominance we had [that] we haven't won the game," added Parkinson.

"When we look back at it and analyse the crosses and the positions we got, you don't get in those areas that many times in a game and usually not score, but today it wasn't to be and we've got to give them credit because they are good defensively when they defend deep."

There may be no cup run this season for Parkinson's side - Wrexham were also eliminated in the first round of the EFL cup at Sheffield United - but they are well placed in League One to challenge for a third successive promotion.

"Of course, it's an incredibly exciting season ahead of us," said Parkinson.

"It's still early in the season, and this is a setback for us because we wanted to progress in the Cup, and the last two years we've progressed and done well."

"Today wasn't our day and we move forward together, that's the key. We've taken a lot of plaudits in the cups over the last few years but we move forward together and take the defeat firmly on the chin."

And there will be no time for a cup-exit hangover. Wrexham are third in League One, just a point ahead of their next opponents Mansfield who visit the Stok Racecourse on Saturday, 9 November (12:30 GMT).

"We haven't had too many days like this since I've been at the club where we've been expected to win and not produced," said Parkinson.

"Today's a day we've got to take as a defeat firmly on the chin and we've got to dust ourselves down next week and come back ready against Mansfield."

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Wrexham kick off their FA Cup campaign on Sunday against familiar opposition.

The Red Dragons have faced Harrogate Town on 10 occasions since 2016, with meetings coming in the National League, League Two, the FA Trophy and the FA Cup.

Wrexham have won three, Harrogate two, while five have ended in draws.

The last FA Cup encounter was 6 November 2021 - Wrexham were playing in the National League at the time while Harrogate were pushing for promotion in League Two.

Wrexham had taken the lead thanks to a Jordan Ponticelli goal, but they were left kicking themselves after conceding two sloppy goals in the second half, with substitutes Simon Power and Danilo Orsi the beneficiaries.

Amid a Hollywood takeover, Wrexham have since leapfrogged Harrogate into League One and will be looking for a good cup run this season as they push for another promotion.

Phil Parkinson’s side made it to the fourth round last term, before losing 4-1 to Blackburn Rovers.

Wrexham's best ever run was in the 1996-1997 season when they made it to the quarter-finals before losing 1-0 to Chesterfield.

Safe to say a lot has changed since then.

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Wrexham fans will presumably be hoping for an FA Cup run featuring a plum draw at some point this season.

Nothing unusual there.

But what may be different for Wrexham in the cup is that these days, they are viewed as glamorous opponents.

Phil Parkinson’s team are in first-round action at Harrogate Town on Sunday, with the game switched from Saturday having been selected for live television coverage.

And though the tie is being televised – and the clubs were in the same division last season - it seems the prospect of Wrexham coming to town has captured the imagination in Harrogate.

Speaking to BBC Radio York earlier this month, after her club came out of the hat alongside Wrexham, Harrogate chief executive Sarah Barry said: “The initial reaction was a bit mixed because our objective is to get through to round two and then the third round and this is going to be one of the toughest draws in terms of the football.

“But we are really excited, and the best measure in terms of the interest in this match is that my commercial director within about two minutes of the draw said that the hospitality has nearly sold out.”

Having Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has brought many benefits for Wrexham, who have delivered two successive promotions and are in the mix – albeit at an early stage of the season – for a third.

But the north Wales club's increased profile, as well as the successes they have enjoyed, have combined to make them one of the biggest potential scalps in the early rounds of the cup.

It is likely to take a decent shift from whichever team Parkinson picks, therefore, if Wrexham are to progress this weekend.

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There was huge frustration for all at Wrexham following their controversial 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic last Saturday.

Matt Godden's penalty in added time earned the Addicks a draw at The Valley, although Phil Parkinson was left incensed by the award of the spot-kick for a handball against Max Cleworth.

Nevertheless, Wrexham are third in League One and remain just four points adrift of leaders Birmingham City as they switch their focus to an FA Cup first round encounter at Harrogate Town on Sunday (15:30 GMT).

So there is plenty to be positive about as league action briefly takes a back seat.

But how exactly do Wrexham currently stack up when it comes to those who have gained promotion from the third tier over recent years?

Parkinson's side have collected 25 points from a possible 39 so far this season, at a rate of 1.92 points per game.

Using these figures as guidelines, Wrexham will end the campaign on 88 points if they maintain their current levels.

Since the English Football league (EFL) was rebranded for the 2004-05 campaign, teams finishing as champions of League One end the season with an average of 94 points.

Wolves' tally of 103 points during 2013-14 is the highest ever total gained in League One, while Southend United went up as champions with just 82 points in 2005-06 - the lowest return of a side to finish top.

As for the side gaining promotion into the Championship by coming second, they finish with an average of 88 points, the exact same total Wrexham are currently on target to hit.

Ipswich Town, now in the Premier League, gained a remarkable 98 points in 2022-23, a record for a side finishing second. Colchester United hold the record for the lowest number of points gained (79 in 2005-06) for a side finishing second in League One.

With a powerhouse like Birmingham City in the division, clinching the title will certainly be a difficult task this season.

But history shows that Wrexham - despite frustration at Charlton - remain firmly on course to be contenders to secure a third successive promotion under Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, whether it be automatically or via the play-offs.

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George Dobson believes Wrexham's squad depth will afford certain fringe players the chance to impress in the FA Cup at the weekend.

Phil Parkinson's side are in first-round action at Harrogate Town on Sunday (15:30 GMT) as they look to continue their strong recent record in the competition.

Indeed, Wrexham have reached the fourth round of the cup contest in each of the past two seasons under Parkinson.

And midfielder Dobson believes the trip to League Two Harrogate will be beneficial for players eager to get further minutes under the belt.

"We have a huge squad so there’s going to be a lot of players hopefully getting minutes," he told BBC Radio Wales.

Should Wrexham overcome Harrogate, they will be just one step away from potentially facing Premier League sides in round three.

"It’s a great opportunity to get to the third round and having a really good game hopefully against a real big boy," added Dobson.

"I know the club have done really well in the last couple of years, so hopefully we can do it again."

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George Dobson says Wrexham are in “a really good place” despite their frustration over Saturday’s draw at Charlton Athletic.

Wrexham were heading for victory at The Valley until a contentious penalty saw the Addicks snatch a point in the seventh minute of added time.

Former Charlton player Dobson said the decision to penalise Max Cleworth for handball was incorrect – but insists Wrexham should not be downcast.

“We will lick our wounds because it was such a good performance,” he said.

“We were well worthy of the win so it’s obviously very disappointing, but we have just got to stay positive because we played really well.

“We are still in a really good place going into the FA Cup and then we’ll get back to the league action.”

Wrexham go to Harrogate in the cup next Sunday having lost only one of their last seven League One games.

Phil Parkinson’s team are third in the table, a point behind second-placed Wycombe Wanderers and four adrift of leaders Birmingham City.

They return to league action with a home game against Mansfield Town on 9 November.

“I thought we played really well [at Charlton] but that last 30 seconds, it’s a big learning curve for us,” Dobson added.

“You come away from home, a big crowd - it’s a tough game but we played really well. So it’s a real kick in the teeth, but there are so many positives.

“We are still in a really good place going into the FA Cup and then we’ll get back to the league action.”

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Phil Parkinson blasted referee Andy Dale's decision to award Charlton Athletic a late spot-kick as his Wrexham side drew 2-2 with the Addicks.

The Welsh side looked on course for victory at the Valley as Andy Cannon added to a Conor Coventry own goal - with Macaulay Gillesphey netting for the hosts.

But Nathan Jones' side were given a penalty in the 97th minute after Max Cleworth was adjudged to have handled the ball.

Matt Godden fired past Arthur Okonkwo from 12 yards out to ensure the points were shared, and Parkinson was left incensed with Dale - who replaced Sam Purkiss as referee midway through the opening half.

"It's never a penalty in a million years, Max has got his arm down by his side. If that happens 50 times, the ref might give it once," said Parkinson.

"We're frustrated because we had the ball in the corner, we should have kept it in the corner, we know that, the lads got out.

"We've restricted a team to long diagonal balls against us, we've controlled the game and we've played some unbelievable football. I feel for the lads.

"The substitution referee comes on. Is he up to the job? Clearly not, because there's only one big decision that he had to get right in the game, and he's got it wrong.

"I just want to know how he can give that as a penalty. All of the rules I know about handball clearly state that wouldn't be a penalty.

"His arm is in a natural position, he actually tried to pull it away. Very, very harsh."

Parkinson was shown a yellow card by Dale after attempting to speak to the official at full time.

"I tried (to speak to the referee), he showed me a yellow," added Parkinson.

"I was perfectly civil to him at the time, but that's another showing of his inexperience."

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Wrexham midfielder George Dobson is relishing returning to his former club Charlton this weekend.

Dobson spent three years at the Valley and was captain before moving to Wrexham in the summer.

"I had a really enjoyable three years there. I had a good relationship with a lot of people at the club, and I have some fantastic memories, so I am looking forward to going back," said Dobson.

"It should be a good game, and I’ve seen a lot of tickets have been sold, and hopefully one we can get on top of as we’ve obviously started the season really well and we’re in a good place."

Dobson has been an ever present in the Wrexham side this season with the Dragons second in League One, four points behind leaders Birmingham City.

He says they travel to London full of confidence after an away win at Rotherham last Saturday and drawing 0-0 at home against Huddersfield Town at the Stok Racecourse on Tuesday.

"Taking four points from the first two games from teams who were in the Championship last year, with two clean sheets, are really solid performances and we’ve been worthy of the results as well," added Dobson.

"We know this week was a week where we could really show where we’re at, and it’s another huge test on Saturday, and another one that hopefully we can come through. We’re quietly confident."

The midfielder has collected four yellow cards this season, and if he had been booked against Huddersfield he would have been suspended for the Charlton match and he admits it was playing on his mind during the game at times.

"I did obviously think about it before the game, but once you start your mind is in the game," Dobson explained.

"I didn’t play as if I was on a yellow card, you know, I just played as if it was a normal game, because if you do, that’s when it could impact on your performance a little bit.

"I obviously got through it and I’m really looking forward to the game on Saturday."

Around 3,000 Wrexham fans will be present at the Valley on Saturday with members of the Dobson family also in attendance.

"They’re all be going - mum, dad, brothers, girlfriend, little one, they’ll all be there.

"Hopefully we’ll get the three points and have an enjoyable evening and celebrate."

Wrexham's home League One fixture against Lincoln City has been rearranged for Tuesday, 26 November 26 (19:45 GMT).

The game had been scheduled for 12 October but was postponed due to international call-ups at Lincoln.

Ethan Latham
BBC Sport Wales

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Wrexham head to London this Saturday for a first meeting with Charlton Athletic in over 42 years.

The Dragons will be looking for a return to winning ways after being held to a goalless draw by Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night - dropping home points for the first time this season.

Charlton is a club that Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson knows all too well, having had a three-year spell as manager at the Valley between 2008-2011.

Under Parkinson's tenure Charlton were relegated to the third tier of English football for the first time in nearly 30 years.

Parkinson is excited about the prospect of returning with his current side.

"Charlton is a great club, it really is. It’s a fantastic stadium and when you get 20,000 plus in there, it creates a really good atmosphere, I'm excited because I know the lads will enjoy it," said Parkinson.

"I'm looking forward to going back there with our travelling army of fans. When someone told me the number of tickets we’d sold for the game all the way down in London I was shocked, it’s amazing."

Tuesday's stalemate at the Stok Racecourse folllowed a 1-0 win at Rotherham, another side with recent Championship experience.

"We always knew looking at this week and seeing Rotherham, Huddersfield and Charlton that it was going to be a mouth watering prospect for us in terms of fixtures, these are the games we want to be involved in.

"We’ve come through two games with four points, we always want six, but sometimes it doesn’t happen, so we'll look over things and pick a team that we feel is ready to go into what will be a great game at Charlton.”

Since the Premier League's inception in 1992, Charlton have spent eight seasons in England's top tier, finishing seventh in the 2003-04 campaign, the clubs best finish since the 1950's.

They were relegated from the Premier League in 2007, not returning since, and Parkinson has highlighted the difficulties clubs face after dropping out of the elite division.

“It was a Premiership club for a lot of years, it just sort of lost its way in terms of ownership and financial problems, which happens a lot when teams fall out of the Premiership," added Parkinson.

"They carried players on big contracts and that becomes very difficult when you don’t bounce straight back up.

"It’s a great club, with a lot of good people working behind the scenes, I wish it the best going forward."

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Wrexham may have dropped home points for the first time this season on Tuesday, but Phil Parkinson’s side have not lost momentum.

The Dragons were held to a goalless draw by Michael Duff’s Huddersfield Town.

Though the draw allowed Birmingham City to stretch their lead at the top of League One to four points, Wrexham remain second having lost only one of their last six third-tier matches.

The Huddersfield stalemate followed a win over Rotherham United, another club who were relegated from the Championship last season.

Parkinson’s team face another League One club who have spent time operating at a higher level when they go to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.

“The three games we had this week, we knew they were going to be a big test,” said Wrexham goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo.

“Those games can show where we are at as a team. League One is a much harder league, everyone is trying to adjust still. But I think we have had a good start and just have to keep it going now.”

Okonkwo kept his seventh League One clean sheet of the season against Huddersfield, with no side in the division conceding fewer goals so far than the Welsh club in 2024-25.

They also managed a shutout at Rotherham, meaning Paul Mullin’s first-minute goal was enough to secure three points.

“Everyone has been amazing with their jobs and we have looked so organised,” Okonkwo added.

“It’s not only down to me, it’s the defenders in front of me as well. Hopefully the clean sheets keep coming but the most important thing is results.”

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Phil Parkinson says Steven Fletcher has a "problem" with a knee injury after the veteran striker missed Wrexham's 0-0 draw with Huddersfield Town on Tuesday.

Fletcher played the latter stages of his side's 1-0 win at Rotherham United last weekend, but Parkinson said the 37-year-old had an issue during his appearance off the bench against the Millers.

"He's got a problem, a real blow for us. It flared up over the weekend," said Wrexham boss Parkinson.

"It happens and when you have injuries, you've got to not moan about it too much because we've got other players like Mo [Faal] who has been waiting for his chance."

The Fletcher blow comes after Wrexham lost top scorer Jack Marriott, who has netted five times in League One this season, for at least four months because of a broken fibula suffered in training.

Parkinson says Wrexham will explore the free agent market in a bid to ensure they have the firepower required to maintain their promotion push.

"We're looking at that, with Jack's injury and then Fletch is an additional blow," he added.

"We're looking at a couple of options."