Swindon boss Michael Flynn feels flat as Wrexham battle back in 10-goal thriller

Posted Sunday, August 20, 2023 by PA

Frustrated Michael Flynn felt individual errors cost Swindon as they dropped two Sky Bet League Two points in a thrilling 5-5 draw at Wrexham.

The Robins led through Jake Young’s header and Charlie Austin doubled their advantage, before Jake Bickerstaff got one back. However, Daniel Kemp curled home and Young bagged his second as the visitors were 4-1 up at half-time.

Lee’s penalty and James Jones reduced the deficit after the break as Wrexham responded, before Kemp added his second.

Jones netted the hosts’ fourth in added time, before Lee’s dramatic strike ensured the spoils were shared.

The late equaliser came after referee Charles Breakspear penalised Swindon’s Tom Brewitt for adjudged handball.

Flynn said: “Individual errors have cost us and that one at the end where the referee has given a free-kick, I’ve just watched it back and it’s clearly hit his shoulder and his view was hampered, so I don’t know how he has seen it.

“But I’ll concentrate on what we can affect and some of our defending in key moments at times wasn’t good enough.

“There were a few of them that had outstanding games but mistakes have cost us. We’ve come away to Wrexham, played some unbelievable football and scored five goals, it could have been more.

“They’ve had a lot of luck as well. Their centre-back has nearly scored an own goal, we’ve hit the bar. I’m very, very frustrated.

“I thought the first half was excellent, we were 4-1 up. We gave them their goal and we could have been out of sight and that’s the frustrating thing.”

Wrexham’s Phil Parkinson gave his side credit for coming back, although he believes they have work to do to improve in League Two.

He said: “Where do you start really? I think being 4-1 down at half-time, I was confident we’d respond and that’s a credit to the group.

“But we’ve also got to be honest that the very basics of football have got to be so much better.

“We did it against Wigan, to be fair, stopping crosses and defending your box and blocking shots on the edge of your box. It’s as simple as that.

“We spoke about it in the week and too many crosses came in, too many headers were lost in the middle of the goal and it’s a windy day and we’re not passing the ball with the crispness we’d like, but you stand strong as a group.

“Then you can make an indifferent performance OK and get to half-time. We’ve got to be honest and say that we’ve got a lot of work to do as a group.”