PHIL PARKINSON admits Stockport County deserve credit for what they have achieved in recent years but he is happy with what Wrexham have accomplished.

The Reds were pipped to the National League title by Dave Challinor's side in 2021-22 - Parkinson's first season in The Racecourse hotseat - but the response has been phenomenal.

Wrexham clinched automatic promotion from non-league following a record-breaking 2022-23 campaign and followed it by finishing runners-up to Stockport in League Two last term, securing a second promotion in a row for the first time in the club's history.

There has been no let-up in League One from either club, with Parkinson's MEN going into tomorrow's clash at Edgeley Park sitting third in the standings and the Hatters sixth.

"I think we have both done great to be fair," said the Reds' boss.

"As much as Stockport are our rivals, there is a mutual respect as well with what both clubs have done.

"They have done well over the years and so have we.

"We are in a good position and we will go there licking our lips, looking forward to a great game."

Wrexham suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat at Edgeley Park last season but Parkinson hailed the response from his players.

"It wasn't a good day for us but we recovered from that defeat well and that is the key," he said.

"That is what it is all about. You are going to get beat in games through the season even you never want to lose and you would like to win every week.

"But we lost 5-0 there, made some decisions and changed things around, and responded in magnificent fashion."

Wrexham have been backed by big away followings this season but only 850 Reds' supporters will be in Greater Manchester.

"We have gone to some big stadiums so far this season like Bolton, Charlton and Birmingham, and enjoyed the atmosphere," added Parkinson.

"Stockport is always a good atmosphere, we haven't got as many tickets and I imagine we will be tucked away in the corner somewhere but that is their prerogative.

"We are looking forward to the game."