'Took the ball!' - Phil Parkinson rages in referee's face after Wrexham's Will Boyle is shown straight red card for dangerous studs-up tackle against Newport County

Boyle was given his marching orders after just 18 minutes for his tackle on Newport's McLoughlin in the League Two clash on Saturday. The centre-back tried to clear the ball but caught the Irishman with a high, studs up challenge and was dismissed by the referee. Manager Phil Parkinson was later seen berating the official for the decision, with the ex-Bradford City boss protesting that Boyle "took the ball".

To make matters worse for the away side, Seb Palmer-Houlden rose highest from Ryan Delaney's cross and looped a headed effort into the top corner in the 34th minute to make it 1-0. Wrexham were forced into a major tactical change as they went down to 10, with Paul Mullin installed as the sole striker.

Wrexham, who are back in the Football League after 15 years away, are two points behind League Two leaders Stockport County and if they beat mid-table Newport they will go top of the division - although the Hatters will have a game in hand.

After this contest with their Welsh rivals, Wrexham take on Championship side Blackburn Rovers on January 29 in round four of the FA Cup. They will then return to League Two action away at relegation-threatened Salford City on February 3.