Wrexham's Elliot Lee calls out Shrewsbury player in post-match interview after 'semi-pro' dig, he didn't hold back

Elliot Lee dedicated Wrexham's FA Cup third-round win to Shrewsbury defender Tom Flanagan after he made a "semi-professional" dig at Phil Parkinson's side ahead of kick-off.

In an interview before Sunday's clash at New Meadow, a confident Flanagan was extremely positive about their chances.

Speaking to BBC Radio Shropshire, the 31-year-old said: "I’m big on the respect thing between football clubs, but let’s make it known, they’re a League Two team, they’re coming here as a League Two team."

He added: "Other League Two teams have come here and we’ve beaten them. So the expectation is that we beat them, whether it’s a local derby or not, they’re a League Two team.

"Who owns them, what they wear, who they are has absolutely no bearing on the game whatsoever.

"I’ve seen a few things and it’s like we’ve drawn a Premier League team, it’s certainly not the case, they were semi-professional footballers last season."

Flanagan made note of Wrexham's recent success and congratulated them on achieving promotion to the Football League, but said "it took them two goes to do it" in another thinly-veiled dig.

"Don’t get me wrong they’ve got some good players but they’re playing at that level for a reason," he added. "I’m a firm believer in that."

Despite his confidence going into Sunday's FA Cup clash, Flanagan and his Shrewsbury teammates were unable to find the net as a second-half goal from Irish midfielder Tom O'Connor sealed Wrexham's place in Monday's draw.

Speaking in his post-match interview with S4C's Sgorio, Player of the Match winner Elliot Lee made sure to mention Flanagan's pre-match comments.

"We knew as a team the importance of the game," he said. "They're a big physical team and, being a local rivalry, it was always going to be a great game and I thought the boys were outstanding.

"It was a great performance and I'd like to dedicate that to one of their players, Tom Flanagan, who said that we were full of semi-pro players last year. So that one's for you, mate."

After overcoming League One opposition, Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson decicated the victory to their fans.

“Today was a day for our supporters and not just the ones that were here but the ones back at home," he said.

“It’s a local derby, and 16 years ago, Shrewsbury beat us to all but condemn the club to the National League.

“When you have had that pain of being a Wrexham fan during that period, it’s great that we give our supporters a day to celebrate.

“It was always going to be a tough game. I saw Shrewsbury play against Fleetwood, and I thought they played really well.

“They’re an established League One team, and it was interesting to see us go toe-to-toe with a team that were right up for the game.

"As the first half wore on, we looked better and better and I thought, in general, we controlled the second half.

“There was a couple of chances towards the end, but we rode our luck with those, but we probably deserved it with the effort the lads have given us today.”

HUGE! ROUND 4. @Wrexham_AFC @VancityReynolds @blakelively @RMcElhenney pic.twitter.com/E8eWt8hNh4

— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) January 7, 2024

The draw for the fourth round of this season's FA Cup will be held on Monday 8 January at around 7:50pm.