Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson has spoken of the ‘mutual respect’ between the Reds and Notts County ahead of their League Two clash this weekend.
Wrexham and Notts County were involved in arguably the most entertaining season in National League history last year.
Both teams battled for the one automatic promotion place up for grabs, with both ultimately surpassing the 100-point mark. However, it was Wrexham who clinched the National League title with a record 111 points, as they were promoted to the fourth tier of English football for the first time in 15 years.
The Magpies joined them via the National League play-offs, after beating Chesterfield in the play-off final. Now, both teams are flying at the top of League Two with Wrexham up into third and County currently second.
Last season they played out one of the best games in National League history
The two rivals meet at Meadow Lane on Saturday in a fixture that could have huge ramifications for the rest of the season.
The last time these two teams faced each other was in an unforgettable National League encounter on April 10 at the Racecourse.
Both teams were vying for top spot in the National League title race, but it was Phil Parkinson’s men who edged an unforgettable 3-2 thriller that featured a stoppage-time penalty save from Ben Foster.
“It was a huge game and I don’t think anyone will ever forget it,” Parkinson recently said of that game.
Phil Parkinson on the ‘mutual respect’ between Wrexham Notts County
There’s certainly an intense rivalry between the two teams given what went on last season. The Wrexham boss knows all too well what the Magpies bring to the table, and says there’s a ‘mutual respect’ between both clubs.
“We know what they’re all about, they know us,” Parkinson said. “There’s a mutual respect between both clubs and both teams because we went toe-to-toe last season.
“I think we put the National League on the map. Certainly the game we played them here [Racecourse], the 3-2 was as memorable a game as you’re going to get in the National League.”
Wrexham are unbeaten in seven games in all competitions, and are going into the game off the back of a last-gasp win over Sutton United.
Parkinson knows how important positive momentum is heading into the clash with County.
“Going into the game on the back of a win is terrific for us,” Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales.
“We go to Meadow Lane full of confidence. We’re going to go to have a real go at them.
“I think that’s the key of the balance of our performance – understanding what areas they’re strong at but equally where’s the space when we get the ball, where can we hurt them?”