Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has admitted he is amazed that his team failed to get anything out of their New Year’s Day trip to Barnsley.
The Red Dragons started 2025 in the top two in League One as they continue their pursuit of a third successive promotion. Having lost only three times all season, the last coming in November against Stockport County, confidence was high ahead of the trip to Yorkshire.
Barnsley harbour promotion ambitions of their own though and showed their credentials when they took an early lead through Davis Keillor-Dunn. The Tykes then doubled their lead midway through the first half after Adam Phillips rifled a shot into the top corner.
Wrexham dominated the second period but were constantly thwarted by Barnsley goalkeeper Ben Killip. They did pull one back through Max Cleworth with 10 minutes remaining, although that proved to be nothing more than a consolation.
Parkinson Amazed By Defeat
Following the game, Parkinson was left to rue a missed opportunity. Despite racking up 20 shots on goal, their defeat allowed Wycombe to move back to the top of the table, with previous league leaders Birmingham City also dropping points. Speaking to BBC Sport, the 57-year-old said:
“How we haven’t got something out of that game I’ll never know.
“We’ve had things cleared off the line, headers from five yards out not gone in the back of the net.
“We’ve completely dominated the second half. It was an outstanding effort from the lads to get back into the game. The lads have given absolutely everything.”
Writer’s View
With Birmingham only managing a draw at Stockport County, a win at Oakwell would’ve seen Wrexham move to the top of the table. Parkinson clearly feels his team did enough to at least secure a point, but a combination of great defending, goalkeeping and poor finishing ultimately cost them.
The Welsh outfit have enjoyed a favourable run of home games over the past couple of months. Whilst they are relentless in front of their own supporters, it is a different story on the road. Yesterday’s defeat means they have now won just one of their last five away games, with that solitary victory coming against bottom of the table Burton Albion in early December.
