‘Semi-pro players!’ - Wrexham star Elliot Lee bites back at FA Cup rival after seeing Red Dragons claim derby bragging rights in third-round win over Shrewsbury

The Red Dragons booked their place in the fourth round draw courtesy of a narrow 1-0 victory that was secured through a deflected effort from Thomas O’Connor. That strike gave the Welsh outfit the last laugh, with Flanagan having said in the build-up to a game between two local rivals: “I’ve seen a few things and it’s like we’ve drawn a Premier League team, it’s certainly not the case, they were semi-professional footballers last season.”

Those comments were on Lee’s mind at the final whistle, with the Wrexham midfielder telling S4C when reflecting on another morale-boosting win for Phil Parkinson’s side: “We knew as a team the importance of the game coming into it. It was always going to be a battle, they are a big physical team, and obviously a local rivalry. I thought the boys were outstanding today, we came here to do exactly what we wanted to do. I think it could have been even more. It was a great performance and I’d like to dedicate that to one of their players, Tom Flanagan, who said we were full of semi-pro players last year. So that one’s for you mate!”

Wrexham made it to the fourth round last season, before coming unstuck against Sheffield United in a replay at Bramall Lane, and they are hoping for another glamour tie in 2024. Lee added on taking the competition seriously: “It’s so important to us. The gaffer drills that into us everyday, how much this cup means to us and the history of the club. We always want to go out there and perform the best we can for the fans. For them to come here and have the bragging rights means a lot. We are delighted to be in the next round draw and looking for another great draw and result.”

Alongside their cup exploits, Wrexham are also in the mix for another promotion in 2023-24. Phil Parkinson’s side are riding high in the League Two table, with stars such as Lee and prolific frontman Paul Mullin committing to new contracts as club co-owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney piece together ambitious plans.