Wrexham needed a response against Birmingham City and Phil Parkinson can be proud of his side’s performance.
Wrexham simply weren’t good enough in the 2-1 reverse at Shrewsbury Town and needed to at least show some fight after that derby defeat.
Thursday night saw League One leaders Birmingham City arrive at the STōK Cae Ras and Wrexham stepped up to the occasion.
Ollie Rathbone’s superb curling goal fired Wrexham in front, only for Lyndon Dykes to bring the Blues level.
Wrexham piled the pressure on in search of a winning goal but it just wouldn’t come as Phil Parkinson had to settle for a 1-1 draw.
Rob McElhenney enjoyed an ‘incredible’ clash as Wrexham again turned in an improved performance at home.
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Birmingham City ace shares Wrexham verdict
Rathbone has earned praise for his display but Wrexham may sense a missed opportunity.
Birmingham were flat, especially in the second half, and Wrexham could have closed the gap to the Blues to just two points with a win.
It just wasn’t meant to be but Wrexham at least showed a fine performance in a big game just a week after the Shrewsbury nightmare.
Parkinson should be delighted with that response and Birmingham defender Christoph Klarer has now given his verdict on Wrexham’s display.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Klarer suggested that Wrexham’s display really showed ‘how difficult’ they can be to play against.
Klarer felt that Wrexham showed a ‘different approach’ to Birmingham, suggesting that Wrexham are ‘very good at what they do’.
That may be a pointed remark about a perceivable ‘direct’ style of play, but Klarer felt that Birmingham stepped up despite being below their usual level.
“Wrexham showed us how difficult they can be to play against,” said Klarer.
“It was two teams that are where they are in the table for a reason, with a different approach on how we play the game.
“They’re very good at what they do – and we had to be ready for it. We were below our levels in the second half going forward. We were not quite at our best. But it was important to dig deep as a team,” he added.
Wrexham can keep pushing Birmingham City
Big-spending Birmingham are, unsurprisingly, favourites for the League One title and sit two points clear at the top with two games in hand.
The Blues will expect to win those games in hand and open up a big lead at the top of League One.
Birmingham still have to actually win those games though and defeats at Charlton Athletic and Shrewsbury Town show that they are not infallible.
Wrexham must keep the pressure on; keep that incredible record at the STōK Cae Ras going and improve the away form.
That would see Wrexham stay on Birmingham’s tail and take a big step towards a third straight promotion.
It’s all easier said than done but Wrexham are in a great position and even just a small upturn in away form could see both sides clinch automatic spots in the Championship.