PHIL PARKINSON always felt Wrexham were capable of getting something out of the game at Notts County despite playing the majority of the contest with 10 men.

Reece Hall-Johnson gave the Reds an early lead but the Magpies equalised from the penalty spot in the 10th minute after a goalbound shot was handled on the line by Harry Lennon who was sent off.

County made it 2-1 before the break but Wrexham had an opportunity to level early in the second half, although leading scorer Paul Mullin’s spot-kick was saved by Anthony Patterson.

The Magpies went on to score a controversial third goal to secure victory but Parkinson always believed Wrexham would have a chance to get back on level terms when the game hung in the balance.

“I felt that we could still have periods with the ball and I think we did,” said Parkinson.

“Second half we forced it a little bit in a desperation to get back in and when we gave them the ball back, they are a good team, but when we kept it we still had an element of control about our play.

“We said at half-time that we felt there would be moments for us and if we were calm, we passed it and waited, there would be moments and the moment did come. Unfortunately we didn’t take it."

Parkinson added: “We felt we could come here and create opportunities against them.

“They have got some good players but we came here with a positive mindset because we felt there were areas in their team which we could exploit.

“We got the goal and we had other chances; Mulls had a great header from a terrific cross from Reece.

“All the planning goes out of the window a bit when you go down to 10 men.”

Mullin failed to put away his penalty but Parkinson refused to blame his 12-goal leading scorer.

“Mulls has been great for us,” said Parkinson.

“You would expect him to score penalties, it is a good save by the goalkeeper.

“Obviously when you get a penalty at 2-1 down with 10 men, you have got to take it.”

Parkinson admits his side’s defending could have been better at times.

“Crosses have come in too easily for me,” he added.

“We said at half-time, 10 men against 11, it doesn’t just happen - we are not just going to get back in the game, we are going to have to really earn it with real tenacity in our defending and quality in our play.

“The goal which wasn’t a goal could still have been avoided so we have got to look at that.”