'They found that extra yard' - Phil Parkinson reflects on Wrexham's defeat at Shrewsbury Town

Shrewsbury led twice in the game after John Marquis fired them in front in the 17th minute on a cold evening at the Croud Meadow. 

But the lead lasted just six minutes with Wrexham getting an equaliser through their veteran striker Steven Fletcher as he headed beyond Jamal Blackman. 

After half-time Town regained the lead when Marquis converted the rebound after his penalty was saved by Arthur Okonkwo after a foul by Eoghan O'Connell in the box. 

"We have made mistakes which led to the goals," the Wrexham manager Parkinson said reflecting on the defeat. 

"When you come away from home you have got to be secure in your decision-making and your defensive duties to give yourselves a foothold in the game. 

"We got punished by two lapses. We responded well after the first one, it was a brilliant goal and a great move. 

"The second goal gave Shrewsbury a great lift, and they found that extra yard all over the pitch and it became a very frenetic and frantic game. We did not show enough quality to back into it.

"There were moments where the ball did not quite fall for us around the box. We had four strikers on at the end, and you lose a level of cohesion in your play. 

"All-in-all, we have got to accept that there was not enough good performances to warrant a victory." 

The result means Shrewsbury are now just five points away from 20th-placed Bristol Rovers in the League One table. 

As for Wrexham, they trail league-leaders Birmingham City by two points - but Chris Davies' side have three games in hand. 

They meet at the Racecourse Ground next week. 

"We have had some great wins, and we have all enjoyed them and taken plaudits," Parkinson continued. 

"We deserve to take criticism because we were not where we needed to be. We knew what type of game it was going to be in terms of the way they play. 

"They are up and at it, and they play the ball in behind with physicality. 

"We did not deal with that in a couple of key moments, and it proved very costly for us. 

"We take the defeat together as a group."

Town head to The Valley next weekend as they take on Charlton in League One looking to continue their good form since Gareth Ainsworth has come to the club. 

They have taken nine points from the last six games.