Wrexham lost a penalty shoot-out at Port Vale after a 1-1 draw in normal time but still clinched top spot in Northern Group B on goal difference, securing home advantage in the last 32 of the EFL Trophy.
Phil Parkinson’s side came into the game already assured of a place in the knock-outs, while their hosts had also qualified going into the final round of group games.
Mo Faal has made his mark in the competition this season and the young striker saw his header parried by Vale goalkeeper Ben Amos, but at the other end Ruari Paton brought a good save out of Callum Burton.
Early in the second half Max Cleworth pounced from close range to put Wrexham ahead after being set up by Jon Bodvarsson.
Mark Howard had replaced Burton at half-time, making his 50th Wrexham appearance, and was soon in action as Vale attacked – saving Benicio Baker-Boaitey’s shot as it arrowed towards the top corner, then getting to Jesse Debrah’s header and a later Antwoine Hackford effort.
But with eight minutes of normal time remaining, Rico Richards connected with a left-wing cross to usher in a penalty shoot-out at Vale Park.
A draw in the group stage of the competition goes straight to a penalty shootout, with a bonus point awarded to the winner.
Amos starred for Vale, stopping spot-kicks from Anthony Forde, Seb Revan and Ollie Rathbone to win the shoot-out 3-1.
A hard-fought match was marred by the ejection of a spectator for alleged homophobic abuse, with Port Vale issuing a statement saying: “Tonight, the club once again expresses its anger and disappointment in the strongest possible terms, having taken action to eject an individual from the stands.”
