Wrexham set sights on Premier League after tough Chelsea loss - ESPN

WREXHAM, Wales — Phil Parkinson said Wrexham's next target is to make games against Chelsea a regular occasion in the Premier League after the EFL Championship team exited the FA Cup with a 4-2 fifth round defeat against the FIFA Club World Cup winners.

Despite twice taking the lead in a pulsating tie at Stok Cae Ras, Wrexham were ultimately beaten in extra time following a 90th minute red card for midfielder George Dobson.

But after coming close to defeating Liam Rosenior's team during 90 minutes, Parkinson said that Wrexham, who occupy a playoff spot in the Championship, now want to face the elite every week.

— Liam Rosenior admits Chelsea were 'lucky' to win Wrexham FA Cup tie
— Chelsea end Wrexham's FA Cup run in extra time
— VAR review: Why was Wrexham's Dobson sent off for his challenge on Garnacho?

«That has to be the aim, playing these teams,» Wrexham's manager said. «That's what you're in football for, to have nights like this. We look forward to being involved in big games like this.

»It's a huge gulf between the spending power in the Premier League and where we are in the Championship and where we've come from so quickly.

«It's been a great cup run. Tonight was a great spectacle and we were competitive against a very good side.

»We will take a lot of positives from it. We showed a lot of good aspects to our play and played some great football.

«We weren't just trying to stop Chelsea — we believe we can play.»

Wrexham have already achieved a record three-straight promotions since actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac took charge of the team in England's fifth tier five years ago. But the prize of the Premier League elite is now closer than ever.

«It has been the aim since day one [to get into the Premier League],