'How we haven't got something out of that game, I'll never know' - Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson left stunned as Red Dragons sustain bitter promotion blow in 2-1 defeat to Barnsley

Wrexham's pursuit of promotion suffered a significant setback as Phil Parkinson's side fell to a narrow defeat to Barnsley at Oakwell. The hosts, who are pushing hard for a play-off spot, capitalised on a strong start, racing to a 2-0 lead within the first 24 minutes. Wrexham struggled to find their rhythm early on, with Parkinson expressing frustration over the ease with which the Tykes took the lead.

Reflecting on the first half, Parkinson said: "I think the first half started well, we controlled the first 11 minutes and out of nowhere, the lad has come inside on his right foot which we knew and we're disappointed with that. Obviously goals give you a lift but even then, I felt comfortable that we'd regain control and out of nowhere they've scored the second."

Wrexham came out of the break with renewed determination and completely dominated the second half. Their relentless pressure paid off when Max Cleworth pulled a goal back in the 80th minute. The visitors created several chances, with shots cleared off the line and headers narrowly missing the target.

"How we haven't got something out of that game I'll never know," said Parkinson.

"We had things cleared off the line and we had headers from five yards not gone in the back of the net. We completely dominated the second half and it was an outstanding effort from the lads to get back in the game. I had belief in the boys at half time that we'd get back in the game and when you analyse the key moments, we deserved at least a point. Some of the football was really good in difficult conditions and the lads have given us absolutely everything. They've emptied the tank to try and get back in the game but we haven't been able to do it.

"We gave them a leg up in that first half with the first goal but the way the lads responded was very good and we just couldn't get the equaliser. Honestly, I was thinking we were going to win 3-2. I wasn't thinking about a draw, I thought we'd go and win the game 3-2."

Wrexham won’t have much time to dwell on the loss, as they face another tough test against Peterborough on Saturday.