Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson has said that it is important not to focus on the ‘rivalry’ between his side and this weekend’s opponents Birmingham City.

The game, which was first played last season when both teams were in League One, was dubbed the ‘Hollywood derby’, with both sides’ ownership – Wrexham’s Rob McEhlenney and Ryan Reynolds, and Birmingham’s Tom Brady – both keen to get one over on the other.

Both teams are subject to club-led documentaries – Welcome To Wrexham and Brady and The Blues – and secured automatic promotion form League One last season, leading to a reunion of sorts.

“We haven’t really referenced the rivalry from last year too much because I think it’s out there for everybody to know,” Parkinson said.

“We had two competitive games against them last year and there was so much attention around the games.

“It’s more about what we have been doing well and reproducing that and also looking at the detail of what Birmingham are all about.”

Birmingham took the bragging rights last season, with a 3-1 home win, while the reserve fixture at Cae Ras ended 1-1.

Chris Davies’ Birmingham are 11th in the Championship with one win in their last five league games while Wrexham have lost only once in six league games and are 15th.

“If we’re honest, the run’s been decent – take out the QPR game – we’re on a decent run over quite a period of time,” Parkinson added.

“I think consistency is obviously key and I think we’re starting to show consistency in our game.

“We spoke to the lads this morning about a real big push tomorrow night to take us into the international break in good spirits with another good performance.”

Wrexham are still looking for a first home win of the Championship season, after two draws and two defeats at home so far.

“Obviously we won in the EFL Cup against Reading and went through on penalties against Hull,” Parkinson said.

“Derby, the game was there for us, really, and we didn’t take the opportunity.

“But it’s just about performance level and we’re looking at the performance against Leicester and a lot of the Derby game as well and what we need to do well.

“If we can bring that to the table on Friday, we’ll have a great chance.”

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