WREXHAM’S FA Trophy campaign has come to an end but Jake Bickerstaff is hoping for more opportunities in the first team between now and the end of the campaign.

Bickerstaff only made one substitute appearance last season but Reds’ boss Phil Parkinson rang the chances in the cup competition and the striker made the most of his big chance.

After scoring in the 3-1 win against Scunthorpe, Bickerstaff grabbed a brace in Friday’s fourth round tie at Altrincham but Wrexham bowed out of the Trophy following a 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat.

With three goals in two outings, the 21-year-old has impressed.

“I am really happy, it is always good to get on the scoresheet,” said Bickerstaff.

“I was buzzing to score two goals and I have now scored three in the last two games which for me personally is brilliant.

“But it is a shame that we went out on penalties; I would have swapped the goals just to get through to the next round.

“I am gutted to be honest. I know it sounds silly but I wanted to go all the way in the FA Trophy.

“With the team we had out, we put on a great show against Altrincham.

“I thought we could do well in the competition but that’s football."

Since making his senior debut when he scored in the Scottish Challenge Cup victory against Ayr United in September 2019, Bickerstaff has found opportunities limited but the frontman hopes his goalscoring exploits in the FA Trophy lead to more game-time in Wrexham’s National League title challenge.

“I have just got to keep doing what I am doing,” said Bickerstaff.

“Keep my head down, keep working hard, play my football and hopefully the opportunities will come.

“We have got a lot of games coming up and you never know what can happen in that time.

“I have just got to be ready.

“My aim was to come in and show what I am about.

“Scoring goals has helped and shown that I can do that side of it as well.”

Altrincham were well on top in the early exchanges and went ahead but Bickerstaff scored twice in three minutes to put Wrexham 2-1 up at the break.

The Reds were on course for a place in the last 16 until Altrincham bagged a late equaliser to earn a 2-2 draw before winning the shoot-out.

“I thought we were brilliant after the first 15 minutes," said Bickerstaff.

“Obviously conceding a late goal is a killer and the momentum was with them towards the end.

“Then it is anyone’s game on penalties.”

Bickerstaff was gutted to miss the opening penalty of the shoot-out when goalkeeper Ollie Byrne pulled off a brilliant save.

“I should have gone a bit lower but the lads said it was a good save by the goalkeeper,” he added.

“It is annoying we couldn’t get through and it is horrible to lose on penalties.”