PHIL PARKINSON felt Birmingham's equaliser changed the game as Wrexham's unbeaten start to the League One season came to an end.

The Reds, who took 13 points from the opening five games to go top of the table, suffered a 3-1 defeat at St Andrew's.

Wrexham got off to the perfect start when Jack Marriott struck after just three minutes, bagging his fourth goal in six outings.

However, Jay Stansfield - Birmingham's big-money signing in the summer transfer window - equalised midway through the opening period and he put the Blues ahead early in the second half before Tomoki Iwata’s stunner sealed the points.

Parkinson was pleased with the way his side started the game and felt Wrexham were playing well until the leveller.

"It was a great start for us," said Parkinson. "It wasn't just the goal, I thought we played really well in that first 20 minutes.

"We looked a team playing with real assurance and confidence, as we should because we came here top of the table.

"We controlled the game without the ball and at times with it, and they looked a nervy team. 

"They were kicking the ball out of play under no real pressure, and then they got a goal back with their first shot on target.

"That goal just changed the feel in the stadium. They were very good after that and we can do better.

"That gave them a huge lift and it probably knocked us too much. We gave the ball back too cheaply after that and didn't get any control in the game.

"Saying that, we got to half-time at 1-1 with Arthur Okonkwo not really having a save to make."

Stansfield put Birmingham ahead with a header from Alex Cochrane's brilliant cross and Iwata made it 3-1 with a shot from outside the area.

Parkinson felt the Reds could have done better for both goals.

"Second half, we didn't engage the ball quick enough for those two goals in particular," he said.

"If you give players of quality that Birmingham have got the time like we did for the cross for the second goal then the likelihood is they are going to produce quality, and the third goal with the shot from the edge of the box, could we engage the ball quicker?

"There were periods of the game that even though they are a very good team, we could have done better."

Wrexham are still leaders on goal difference from second placed Birmingham who remain unbeaten and Parkinson took defeat on the chin, with the Reds back in action at home to Crawley Town on Saturday.

He added: "It wasn't a lack of effort, the lads have given us everything as they always do but like any game, win, draw or defeat, you have got got to learn from it and we will take the lessons from it into the weekend's game."