PHIL PARKINSON bemoaned a lack of quality from Wrexham in and around the penalty area following their shock FA Cup exit at League Two outfit Harrogate Town.

The League One high-fliers lost 1-0 at Wetherby Road with veteran striker Jack Muldoon's first half header the difference between the sides in the first round encounter.

Wrexham, who reached the fourth round in each of the previous two seasons, dominated possession but Parkinson says the Reds didn't make it count in and around the box and they were dumped out at the same stage as they were on their last visit to Harrogate in the competition three years ago. 

"We dominated the early exchanges and our approach play was really good but we lacked a conviction in our crossing and our finishing to get that goal," said Parkinson.

“We got into some amazing areas. We put 30 crosses into the box, including some unbelievable balls, but we have to be better in and around the box.

"Second half, we've pinned them in for practically the whole of the 45 minutes, got cross after cross in, got in positions, but couldn't find that moment of quality. If we're honest the conviction in around the box wasn't where it needs to be.

"The amount of crosses we got in, you'd expect something to fall for us so we have got to look at ourselves. We are better than that in and around the box than we showed.

"Was the movement dynamic enough in and around the box to justify getting a goal? A lot of the approach play was patient and it was good but football is about in and around the penalty box and that's where games are won and lost."

Wrexham came close to breaking the deadlock following a quick break in the second half but George Dobson was denied by goalkeeper James Belshaw while substitute Mo Faal had a goal ruled out for offside in the closing exchanges.

They were rare clear-cut chances and Parkinson admits his side didn't test Belshaw enough.

"Dobbo broke through and took care to hit the target but we didn't hit the target enough in the situations we had," he said.

"The one goal we got, the linesman has flagged offside.

"It is such a tough call to give against Mo but that was his decision so we have got to accept that.

"We spoke at half-time about having that control when we are in there to make sure we make the goalkeeper work.

"If you look across the game, when we have had chances the goalkeeper hasn't had enough saves to make to justify the domination we had in terms of possession."

Muldoon headed home a corner after 24 minutes and Parkinson admits the Reds should have done better from the set-piece.

"I would never single people out in interviews but set-plays are huge and from their point of view it is good delivery and good movement," he added.

"From our point of view, we have got to be more physical.

"We can't let a key player from their team get a header in that situation so we have got to look at that.

"They are defining moments and it gave them a massive lift.

"That gave a team who are good at hanging in there - that's what they do – they did it our place last year; they're a backs-to-the-wall type team, and we gave them something to hang on to."