Phil Parkinson: Wrexham and Notts County have 'mutual respect'

Wrexham finished four points clear of Notts County to win the 2022-23 National League title

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson says there is "mutual respect" between his side and League Two rivals Notts County.

The clubs were involved in a thrilling National League title race last season, with Wrexham emerging as Champions.

Notts County were promoted via the play-offs and are currently second in League Two, three points ahead of third-placed Wrexham whom they host on Saturday.

"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 replaced Notts County at the top of the National League and went on to win the title after a thrilling Easter Bank Holiday Monday game in which Parkinson's men won 3-2.

Elliot Lee's goal and Ben Foster's stoppage-time penalty save to deny Cedwyn Scott saw Wrexham come out on top.

"It was a huge game and I don't think anyone will ever forget it," Parkinson said of the April encounter between the sides.

"It had been built up for so long and we'd got beaten on the Friday at Halifax, our first defeat for a long time.

"I thought it was a really good performance from us that day. We had a game plan and we stuck to it to the letter and it was an excellent win.

"And obviously it was pivotal in us finally clinching the title."

Although Wrexham won at home against Luke Williams' side and went on to claim the title, they had been beaten 1-0 at Meadow Lane earlier in the season.

Wrexham go into Saturday's game unbeaten in their last six matches, including Tuesday's late 2-1 win over bottom of the table Sutton United, while Notts County have won their last two league games.

"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?"

Parkinson is awaiting to find out the extent of injuries suffered by Ryan Barnett and Eoghan O'Connell in the win over Sutton.

Both players are due to see specialists to have their injuries assessed.