Wrexham waste big chance to go top of League Two table as silly Will Boyle red card costs Red Dragons in shock Newport County loss

The Red Dragons suffered just their fifth defeat of the league season as Seb Palmer-Houlden's first-half header proved to be the difference on Saturday at Rodney Parade. The die was cast early on when Will Boyle was shown a straight red after he caught Newport's Shane McLoughlin high up his leg in the 18th minute. And the visitors never really got going after that, with the hosts having 16 shots to Wrexham's four and 54% possession. Newport looked the side more likely to score after their opener, with Harry Charsley and Palmer-Houlden having good chances to extend their advantage. In the end, the Exiles deservedly secured all three points to rise to 14th, whereas Parkinson's side stay second in the division.

Seb Palmer-Houlden: The game's only scorer, naturally, proved to be the difference on the day. He took his header in classy fashion with a looping effort and caused Wrexham's defence problems all day. The 19-year-old had a chance to double his side's lead in the second half but spurned a glorious opportunity when one-v-one after James McClean's clumsy back pass. Still, he spearheaded a triumphant performance for Graham Coughlan's team that put a dent in Wrexham's promotion bid.

Will Boyle: While in days gone by that would not have been a red card, it was still reckless from the defender to follow through like that and catch McLoughlin early on. That left his side with an uphill task and really seemed to knock the wind out of their sails.

While Wrexham are still second, they could have gone five points clear of fourth and strengthened their bid to secure automatic promotion. Next up, they take on Championship side Blackburn Rovers in round four of the FA Cup on January 29.