Altrincham snatch dramatic penalty shootout victory against Wrexham in FA Trophy

ALTRINCHAM 2, WREXHAM 2

(Altrincham won 4-3 on penalties)

Altrincham pulled off a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Wrexham to claim a fifth-round place in the Isuzu FA Trophy.

The Robins appeared to be heading out of the competition until substitute Zak Goodson scored an 89^th minute equaliser to force a penalty shootout.

But spot kick misses from Wrexham’s Jake Bickerstaff, whose two goals had put his side on the cusp of victory, and Reece Hall-Johnson proved decisive.

Though Altrincham’s Josh Lundstram blazed over, his four team-mates all found the net as they triumphed 4-3 on penalties.

Wrexham, battling to regain their EFL status and FA Cup giantkillers after their victory at Championship club Coventry City, made 11 changes from the side which beat Bromley in the National League on Tuesday.

Manager Phil Parkinson was clearly prioritising the other competitions, even though Wrexham last season reached the Trophy final at Wembley where they lost to Bromley.

Hall-Johnson and Max Cleworth were the only two survivors from Coventry cup victory.

Altrincham, who sold key player Ryan Colclough to Chesterfield earlier in the week, made three changes to the side which drew at FC Halifax Town on New Year’s Day, their last game.

The hosts took a 10^th minute lead after making a lively start.

Fleetwood loanee Chris Conn-Clarke’s effort hit the underside of the bar and Lewis Baines fired home the rebound for the midfielder’s first goal of the season.

The Robins were unlucky not to be further ahead as Marcus Dinanga had an effort ruled out for offside and Toby Mullarkey saw a header brilliantly turned on to the bar by goalkeeper Rob Lainton.

Wrexham, who took just short of 1,000 fans to the J Davison Stadium, rode their luck before hitting back in devastating style as Bickerstaff struck twice in three minutes.

The equaliser in the 24^th minute came James Jones fired a fierce shot across the face of goal and Bickerstaff, back at Wrexham after two years at Liverpool, turned in the ball at the far post.

Bickerstaff, 21, struck again when he was put clean through, and he slotted a shot low past goalkeeper Ollie Byrne. It was his third goal in only two appearances, both in the Trophy.

Wrexham had chances to add a third goal after the restart as Andy Cannon shot into the side netting, James Jones forced s brilliant save from Altrincham keeper Ollie Byrne and Liam McAlinden fired inches over.

The Robins also had a great chance when Conn-Clarke’s drive dipped just over the bar.

They rarely threatened until substitute Goodson struck an 89^th minute equaliser when a low shot somehow found its way to goal through a crowded goalmouth for only his second goal of the campaign to force the shootout.

• Altrincham and Wrexham were both managed by Phil Parkinson while each side had James Jones in their starting line-up.