Zak Vyner and Co Earn High Praise after Gallant Performance in FA Cup Defeat to Chelsea

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has hailed his team despite a 4-2 loss to Chelsea in the FA Cup on Saturday.

The Welsh side nearly pulled off an upset after taking the lead twice in the fifth-round clash at Stok Cae Ras but allowed Chelsea back into the game which was settled in extra time.

Wrexham went ahead after 18 minutes through Sam Smith but goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo scored an own goal five minutes from time for 1-1 at the break. Callum Doyle would give the home side the lead 12 minutes from time but Josh Acheampong leveled matter four minutes later.

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That took the game to extra time but Wrexham suffered a setback when George Dobson was sent off for a rash challenge with Ajendaro Garnacho soon scoring for Chelsea before Joao Pedro sealed the win in stoppage time.

Parkinson was delighted by his team’s display after seeing them give a good account of themselves against the Premier League giants with Harambee Stars prospect Zak Vyner played in midfield.

"I'm very pleased with the way we acquitted ourselves tonight,” Parkinson told the BBC.

“We showed a lot of good aspects to our play and played some great football. We weren't just coming here to stop Chelsea - we believe we can play.

"We were frustrated not to come in at half-time ahead. The lads have given a lot tonight and to play extra time with 10-men is really hard.

"We wanted to have a real go in the second period and we had some great chances. We had moments even with 10 men and the lads have to take a lot of credit tonight."

With his side pushing for promotion to the Premier League, the tactician is hoping that they can achieve the dream and possibly get their revenge on Chelsea next season.

"That has to be the aim, playing these teams," the Wrexham manager further 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."

"It's a huge gulf between the spending power in the Premier League and where we are in the Championship and where we've come from so quickly.”