Phil Parkinson says Wrexham aim to face elite clubs regularly after FA Cup exit

• Phil Parkinson says Wrexham A.F.C. want to face top teams like Chelsea F.C. regularly
• Wrexham were beaten 4-2 after extra time in the FA Cup fifth round
• Midfielder George Dobson was sent off late in the match

Phil Parkinson said Wrexham A.F.C. must aim to face leading teams such as Chelsea F.C. regularly after their FA Cup run ended with a 4-2 defeat following extra time.

The EFL Championship side twice took the lead during an entertaining fifth-round tie at Stok Cae Ras but were eventually beaten after the match extended beyond 90 minutes.

Wrexham’s hopes were dealt a major setback when midfielder George Dobson received a red card in the final minute of normal time, leaving the home side to play the extra period with ten players.

Despite the result, Parkinson said the performance demonstrated that Wrexham can compete with elite opponents and should aim to do so more often.

“That has to be the aim, playing these teams,” Parkinson said. “That’s what you’re in football for, to have nights like this. We look forward to being involved in big games like this.

“There is a huge gulf between the spending power in the Premier League and where we are in the Championship and where we have come from so quickly.

“It has been a great cup run. Tonight was a great spectacle and we were competitive against a very good side.”

Wrexham have risen rapidly in recent seasons following their takeover by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney five years ago.

The club has achieved three consecutive promotions since the takeover and currently occupies a playoff position in the Championship, putting them within reach of a place in the Premier League.

Reynolds said reaching the top division has been a long-term ambition for the club’s ownership group.

“It has been the aim since day one to get into the Premier League,” Reynolds told ESPN. “It is moving to see how galvanizing it is around here and how these supporters feel about the football club.”

The match also provided Wrexham with their first significant experience of the Video Assistant Referee system used in the Premier League.

Dobson’s red card and a goal by Lewis Brunt that was ruled out for offside during extra time were both reviewed by VAR.

McElhenney acknowledged the controversy surrounding the system but praised the team’s performance.

“At the end of the day the rules are the rules,” he said. “I feel like we put on a really great performance and it was reflected not only on the pitch but in the stadium.”

Parkinson said the red card decision made the closing stages particularly difficult for his players.

“The lads have given a lot tonight and to play extra time with ten men is really hard,” he said.

“I know the rule is that it has got to be a clear and obvious mistake. When the referee is called over to the screen, I felt he should have stayed with the yellow card.”