STEVE PARKIN never felt Wrexham were under any real threat and deserved something for their efforts against Harrogate Town.

The Reds exited the FA Cup after going down 2-1 to the Sulphurites in their FA Cup first round tie at Wetherby Road.

Striker Jordan Ponticelli, with his first goal of the season, gave Phil Parkinson's side a 38th minute lead but the League Two outfit produced a second half comeback and scored twice in six minutes to maintain their interest in the competition.

Assistant manager Parkin felt Harrogate had not caused any problems apart from what turned out to be the match-winning brace and Wrexham should have got something out of the game.

"It is really frustrating," said Parkin.

"We studied them long and hard this week and came up with a game plan to play against them that we thought would be one that could stop their key players being very dangerous - both wide players, and I think we kept them reasonably quiet.

"We got the goal that we needed to make it even more difficult for them.

"We got a good shape about the team and whilst their two centre-backs had plenty of the ball, we never felt in real trouble through the game, so to be stood here on the end of a 2-1 defeat is bitterly disappointing."

Substitute Simon Power drilled home a free-kick from just outside the area to level the scores and Harrogate's winner came soon after when Danilo Orsi - another replacement - eventually netted after Wrexham were left exposed following captain Luke Young's poor back-pass.

Parkin was pleased with how Wrexham acquitted themselves against a Harrogate side among the pacesetters in the division above but knows a critical spell proved costly.

"We were really in a key position in the game and be able to break in the last 10-15 minutes with key players coming on that we have not necessarily had," said Parkin.

"So to have that little spell where we gave a free-kick away which we have not dealt properly and then to concede a second goal which Luke held his hand up straight away.

"It is a bad pass which you don't get too many of those from him.

"The key thing is that we have took a team that is pushing for promotion in the league above us all the way and on the evening, we probably deserved something out of the game."

Wrexham's tendency to score first but fail to hold onto the lead - and fail to win or draw a game - continued in north Yorkshire.

Parkin admits an improvement is needed ahead of two crucial leagues games away at Aldershot tomorrow and King's Lynn on Saturday.

"In terms of conceding, it is disappointing and it is something that we have got to make sure is better," added Parkin.

"Make sure we play with enough belief and momentum, and take it into the next two away games."