PHIL PARKINSON expected a tough FA Cup tie and he got it as Wrexham were held to a 1-1 draw against Blyth Spartans at Croft Park.

The Reds went into the fourth qualifying round clash sitting second in the National League while Blyth are struggling in the division below, but Graham Fenton’s side produced a fantastic performance.

Blyth were the better team, although they went behind in the 76th minute when Tom O’Connor scored for the second successive game with a free-kick that was deflected into the back of the net.

Wrexham were heading for a place in round one but National League North outfit Blyth levelled one minute from time as Michal Richardson’s free-kick from the left went straight through the box and found the far corner to secure a replay at The Racecourse on Tuesday night.

Parkinson, who made four changes for the showdown with deadly strike duo Paul Mullin and Ollie Palmer coming off the bench on the hour mark, admits Blyth made it hard for his side but he was pleased to come through a tricky test with Wrexham still in the hat for the next round.

“We got ourselves ahead but to give a cheap free-kick away like we did, with a swirling wind, it was disappointing,” said Parkinson.

“It was always going to be difficult with the conditions and the tightness of the game.

“We battled well and we blocked things, we didn’t show enough quality or care when we had the ball but I think the conditions came into that a little bit.

“It was always set up to be one of those tough days like we had last year (against Marine) but we’ve come through it again and we look forward to the replay on Tuesday.

“It was always going to be a tough game and we would loved it to have been an easy passage through.

“But we are in the hat and we go again.”

Parkinson, who made four changes from the side that started the epic 7-5 win over Barnet the previous weekend to keep Wrexham flying high in the fifth tier, admits the Reds could have given a better account of themselves while in possession on a difficult afternoon in the north east.

But he was pleased with the defending to keep plucky Blyth at bay until the late leveller.

“It was a very scrappy game,” said Parkinson.

“I think as soon as everybody turned up they thought it would be that type of game.

“We would still expect us to show more care when we had the ball than we did despite the conditions.

“We slashed at things and didn’t get that first pass off with decent quality to get us off and running enough times and when we did, we had some decent moments; a couple in the first half and a couple in the second.

“But credit to them, it was a full-blooded cup tie as you would expect.

“Throughout the game I thought we defended our box really well, we got some great blocks in and we did everything you need to come through a cup tie like this.

“Unfortunately, one moment has cost us towards the end of the game.”

Blyth took the game to Wrexham and had a couple of good chances in the first half but Parkinson felt his side also had some promising moments.

“We had an early scare when it was fast and furious, and then we grew into it,” he added.

“We had some good moments.

“Sam Dalby had a great opportunity, James Jones has danced through and maybe should have scored.

“The lad has brought Jordan Davies down in the box and it is one of the most obvious penalties you are likely ever to see.

“We are 75 yards away from the incident, I have had the benefit of seeing it back and he has completely wiped him out from behind, it is a clear penalty.

“It is disappointing we haven’t got through but we move onto Tuesday.”