Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson hailed Ollie Palmer as a “hero” after the veteran striker came off the bench to produce a stoppage-time rescue act in a remarkable Carabao Cup first-round tie against Hull City.
Palmer, whose future at the club had been the subject of speculation, struck twice deep into injury time to salvage a 3-3 draw before the Dragons triumphed 5-3 on penalties in front of a raucous Stok Cae Ras crowd.
The late drama ensured Wrexham’s first home match of the season — and their first whilst playing in the second tier for over 40 years — ended in celebration rather than another early setback following last weekend’s last-gasp defeat at Southampton.
Parkinson could not hide his pride in the striker who played a pivotal role in the club’s rise from the National League but had slipped down the pecking order last season.
"Well, first of all, we show that we never give up. I think the trait of the team and the club over the last three, four years is that," said Parkinson.
"I think it’s good for the new lads to see that and to say that we’re going to go to the end.
"I feel we’ve got our season off and running. The subs and the penalties were brilliant and I’m so pleased for big Ollie because he’s a hero."
The 33-year-old’s future appeared uncertain after limited opportunities late last term, but Parkinson insisted his contribution and character remain invaluable.
"He was fantastic. He’s been a cult player for us over the years and he conducted himself amazingly well last year when we made changes.
"He wanted to stay and be a part of it, and he was tonight. You can never write anybody off. He couldn’t have done any more."
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The match began with a poignant moment of remembrance for club legend Joey Jones, who died last month aged 70.
A minute’s silence was impeccably observed before an energetic start on a warm North Wales evening.
Wrexham, showing 11 changes from the side beaten at Southampton, handed a home debut to Ryan Hardie, while Hull’s six alterations included first starts for summer arrivals Oli McBurnie and Nathan Tinsdale.
Chances were shared early on, with McBurnie heading narrowly wide and home keeper Arthur Okonkwo saving well from the Scotland international.
At the other end, Hull stopper Dillon Phillips denied Hardie and Sam Smith.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute when Elliot Lee cut inside and saw his deflected strike loop over Phillips.
Yet Hull hit back almost instantly, Cody Drameh bursting into the box to tee up McBurnie for his first goal for the Tigers.
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Hull began to take control in the second half, and with 20 minutes left they edged ahead when Joe Gelhardt’s cross was turned in by substitute Joel Ndala.
They extended their advantage nine minutes from time as Matt Crooks tapped in after Liam Palmer’s clever work on the byline.
At 3-1, the visitors looked certain to progress, with manager Sergej Jakirovic later admitting his side had been in full control.
"It’s mixed feelings. I think that we played very good game and until 80-85 minutes we controlled everything," he said.
"But this is a great experience for us for the future because it’s not finished before the referee blows the whistle.
"We must continue because I think that we showed a lot of good things in our game. I’m sorry for the players because they put in everything."
Then came Palmer’s moment. In the 91st minute, he powered in a header to give Wrexham hope.
Just a minute later, he repeated the feat, rising highest again to level the contest and spark wild celebrations in the stands.
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That double set up the penalty shoot-out, where Wrexham’s takers — including Palmer himself — were flawless.
James McClean, Lee, Josh Windass and Jack Marriott all converted, while Ndala’s strike against the crossbar proved decisive.
Parkinson’s side now head into the next round buoyed by their display of spirit and resilience — qualities the manager believes define his team’s recent rise.
But for the Wrexham boss, Tuesday night was above all a tribute to a player he feels still has a huge role to play.
"You can never write anybody off. He couldn’t have done any more," Parkinson reiterated. "I’m so pleased for big Ollie because he’s a hero."
