Wrexham AFC’s head coach, Phil Parkinson, was left frustrated by the decision to award Cambridge United a penalty in their 2-2 draw with the U’s, describing it as “one of the worst penalty decisions I’ve seen.”
Facing the side sitting 23rd in League One, the Red Dragons struggled to take control of the game. Despite George Dobson’s opener, they went into the break level after Liam Bennett struck just before half-time.
The controversy arose shortly after the restart when a long ball found Ryan Loft, who brought it down before appearing to be pulled back by Lewis Brunt. Admittedly, his fall was theatrical, but that didn’t concern Josh Stokes, who coolly converted from the spot.
Sam Smith responded just minutes later with a delightful header, and Parkinson’s side thought they had snatched victory with a late goal – only for the linesman to rule that the ball had gone out of play before curling back in from the corner.
The result left Wrexham frustrated, as they missed the chance to extend their advantage over promotion rivals Wycombe Wanderers, who also dropped points at home against a struggling Shrewsbury Town side.
