Parkinson eyes Birmingham response from 'hurting' Wrexham

Phil Parkinson says Wrexham deserve to be criticised for their cross-border derby defeat at Shrewsbury Town.

And the Wrexham boss has challenged his players to show they can respond in next week's high-profile meeting with League One leaders Birmingham City.

Wrexham disappointed as they went down at struggling Shrewsbury, with Parkinson saying he felt for fans as the north Wales side slipped from their usual standards.

A mistake and a penalty either side of Steven Fletcher's goal meant a 2-1 loss, leaving Wrexham two points behind Birmingham having played three games more than the Blues.

And Parkinson said: "I'm hurting for the fans. We knew what this meant to supporters and it's not often where we haven't performed to the levels we expect - but this was one of those nights. We have to take criticism together on the chin because it's deserved.

"We have to come out after a week's training and be ready for the Birmingham game."

Chris Davies' Birmingham won 3-1 against Wrexham at St Andrew's in September, with the game being dubbed the 'Hollywood Derby' because of Blues' US backing and Wrexham's showbiz ownership.

The teams meet again next week with much attention expected again.

"We have to regroup," Parkinson added.

"When we win we all take the plaudits together, so when we lose we have to take the disappointment together. We will do and come out ready to respond next week."

Birmingham face Exeter City on Saturday with the chance to go six points clear of Wrexham, while second-place Wycombe – level with the Red Dragons on 51 points – travel to Mansfield.