Phil Parkinson’s Wrexham side had everything to prove against Premier League-seeking Sheffield United at the Racecourse Ground. As the biggest game the Welsh side had faced since American A-List celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over the club, it was the perfect opportunity to send a message to EFL teams about the intentions of a league-climbing journey; not to mention how a cup upset would look good for the Documentary.
However, despite a fiercely contested game in which Ryan Reynolds was in attendance, and a classic 5-star Wrexham performance, Blades defender John Egan rescued a replay at the death. It’s fair to say that United was taken by surprise at the ability and determination of Wrexham to turn the game around after a quick-fire header was scored by Oliver McBurnie in less than a minute after kick-off, even though Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom had stated his side would not be complacent before the game.
Sheffield United still looked solid in the game, but watching the game on the night there was a sense of a comeback driven by the magic of the FA Cup- whether in the undying and electric support of the home fans or in the sheer quality of the Wrexham team which marks a huge improvement in the quality of non-league sides and their newfound ability to draw in players from EFL teams.
One such player who may even make the difference on their Visit to Bramhall Lane on the 7th of February is Paul Mullin- the former Tranmere Rovers forward who has found his feet as a prolific striking force in the National League this season, scoring a staggering 27 goals. He may well prove to be the difference in completing the underdog story away from home in Yorkshire.
Heckingbottom has driven his side into a healthy domestic position this season in the Championship, tallying crucial wins against the likes of Burnley at Bramhall Lane in their race to once again become a top-flight side. The home spirit and the atmosphere of Blades fans therefore may well see them through to the next round of the competition.
All eyes are on the replay then, with a definite sell-out crowd for the Wrexham away support and Sheffield United faithful, who will see their teams scrap it out this Tuesday for a place in the 5th round against Premier League opposition Tottenham Hotspur.