PHIL PARKINSON was proud of his side's performance against Sheffield United but the Reds' boss was disappointed not to clinch victory in their FA Cup fourth round tie at The Racecourse.

Wrexham were held to a 3-3 draw by the Championship high-fliers who equalised in added time to force a replay.

Just over 60 seconds had gone when the Blades took the lead and Parkinson had to make two changes in the opening 10 minutes after centre-backs Aaron Hayden and Jordan Tunnicliffe picked up injuries.

But substitute James Jones and Tom O'Connor put Wrexham 2-1 up after the break and although United levelled, Reds' leading scorer Paul Mullin made it 3-2 with four minutes remaining.

However, Wrexham conceded a last-gasp equaliser and Parkinson had mixed emotions after going to close to winning.

"After the start we had - conceding a goal and losing two key players - for the team to reset ourselves as well as we did was outstanding," said Parkinson.

"A lesser group of players could have got beat four or five nil there.

"We had to rejig the team around and the way we regained our composure was absolutely outstanding.

"We got to half-time and I believed we would get back in the game.

"We took the game to Sheffield United, we pinned them in for long periods and it's a real blow that we haven't got over the line, so it is mixed emotions.

"But the way the lads performed on the big stage was outstanding."

Parkinson hailed the all-around display from Wrexham who now have a replay to look forward to at Bramall Lane next midweek.

"Character, heart and quality as well, and that was the key thing," added the Reds' boss.

"Of course we had the threat from set-plays but some of the composure we showed in possession against a really good team was excellent.

"All those qualities mixed together are going to take this club a very long way and I am immensely proud of what we saw out there, but equally there is that disappointment that we haven't got over the line."