Wrexham A.F.C. lost 1-0 to Sheffield United in the Championship on Friday evening. Ben Brereton's 30th-minute strike proved the difference at Bramall Lane, extending Wrexham's winless run to two matches.
The result leaves Parkinson's side 17th in the table on 14 points after 12 games. They now face the challenge of hosting league leaders Middlesbrough on Wednesday, a team they trail by 11 points.
Brereton found space inside the area to fire past goalkeeper Patterson. Wrexham's task grew harder when defender Callum Doyle was booked for a foul three minutes before the goal.
Parkinson made a double change at the break, introducing Sam Smith and Max Cleworth for Oliver Rathbone and Dominic Hyam. The alterations failed to spark a sustained comeback, with the hosts maintaining a grip on possession and creating the clearer chances.
Sheffield United finished the match with 55% possession, 13 shots to Wrexham's nine, and a commanding 7-0 advantage in corners. Wrexham's sole shot on target came from Moore, who leads the club's scoring charts with five goals this season.
Further substitutions saw George Thomason, Danny Imray and George Dobson enter the fray in the 73rd minute, but Wrexham could not find an equaliser. The team's recent form shows one win, one draw and three losses from their last five outings, a sequence that includes defeats to Blackburn and West Brom.
With several players currently sidelined, including top scorer Moore's usual attacking partner Nathan Broadhead, the squad depth will be tested. The full injuries list remains a concern as they prepare for Middlesbrough's visit.
The next fixture is a significant test at the Racecourse Ground. Wrexham were beaten 1-0 by Middlesbrough in the reverse fixture back in August and will be looking to improve a home record that has seen them score seven goals in their last three matches there. Kick-off on Wednesday is at 19:45.
He highlighted the importance of Brereton's clinical finish in a tight game. Meanwhile, Parkinson acknowledged his team struggled to match Sheffield United's intensity in the first half and rued the lack of quality in the final third. He confirmed the club is assessing a minor knock sustained by midfielder Rathbone during the match. The defeat marks Wrexham's fourth away loss of the campaign, with the team having now failed to score in three of their last five Championship fixtures.
