Wrexham claimed bragging rights over Shrewsbury Town with a superb 3-0 derby day victory at the STōK Cae Ras on Saturday afternoon.
Phil Parkinson was hoping for a big result as Wrexham hosted rivals Shrewsbury Town on Saturday afternoon.
The rivalry between the two sides was stoked last year as then-Shrewsbury defender Tom Flanagan appeared to take shots at Wrexham.
That was before an FA Cup tie between the two sides – a game Wrexham won 1-0 away from home.
Now back at the STōK Cae Ras, Wrexham were hoping for another victory over the Shrews – and it was even more convincing this time around.
Ollie Palmer, Elliot Lee and Jack Marriott were all on the scoresheet as Wrexham coasted to a 3-0 and claimed bragging rights once again.
Shrewsbury Town boss on Wrexham win
This was another joyous day to be a Wrexham fan.
Any 3-0 win over a rival is cause for celebration, but to go top of the league – even at this early stage of the season – is extra special.
Rob McElhenney has praised Phil Parkinson as the mastermind behind Wrexham’s success whilst Paul Mullin celebrated a ‘splendid’ afternoon.
The mood at Shrewsbury is, unsurprisingly, a little less cheerful.
Saturday’s defeat at Wrexham means Shrewsbury have started the season with a four defeats from the first five games.
Now sitting 21st in the League One table, Shrewsbury boss Hurst has offered his reflection on Saturday’s defeat.
Hurst told Shrewsbury’s official YouTube channel that he felt his side were ‘well in the game’ even at 2-0 down.
However, Hurst believes that Wrexham benefited from Shrewsbury errors and took the game away with the third goal.
Hurst added that his honest verdict is that Wrexham ‘almost lull you in’, soaking up pressure before scoring on the counter-attack.
Hurst credited Parkinson setting his team up well and bringing in players who work ‘extremely hard’ to pick up these impressive wins.
“I think for quite a bit of the game at 2-0, we were well in the game but they are very good at what they do and they’ve punished a couple of mistakes,” said Hurst.
“They certainly punished a mistake with the third goal to… in reality, kill the game off. We spoke at half-time about the importance of the third goal because we felt that, if we could get it, naturally the score line can make a crowd and a team edgy.
“We started the second half well but, as I said, you have to give them credit, they are very good at what they do. We spoke on Friday about they are quite comfortable without the ball; we have had times when we haven’t had the ball in games and done okay. Ultimately, we gave a helping hand in terms of the goals, that makes an already difficult task so much harder.
“I think they almost lull you in if I am being honest. The last twice I have been here we have had plenty of the ball, you sort of feel like you are causing them issues to a degree, but then the next minute they kind of almost break and score. What I would say is they work extremely hard without the ball. We spoke about that.
“I think that is what Phil has got his team doing. It may be easier you’re used to winning games, when the scoreline is in your favour but they do work extremely hard and make life difficult. They have still got some good players but they’re willing to put that work in,” he added.
When do Wrexham face Shrewsbury again?
This rivalry had been dormant, at least on the pitch, for more than 15 years.
Wrexham fans won’t need reminding of the 3-0 League Two defeat to Shrewsbury back in 2008, pushing Wrexham closer to relegation.
From the time the final whistle sounded on April 13th 2008, Wrexham and Shrewsbury didn’t meet again until January 2024.
Wrexham exorcised some demons with that 1-0 FA Cup win but have now backed it up with a 3-0 League One victory too.
The two sides won’t meet again until January as Wrexham travel to face Shrewsbury on the 18th of the month.
Completing a league double over Shrewsbury would be very sweet for Wrexham – and few will rule it out after Saturday’s convincing win.