Birmingham puts a dent in Wrexham's play-off bid
Wrexham suffered a damaging blow to its EFL Championship play-off hopes after a 2-0 defeat away to Birmingham City.
Phil Parkinson's side headed into the clash at St. Andrew's knowing a win would move it within touching distance of sixth-placed Hull City, but a timid performance left it four points adrift of the top six.
Wrexham struggled from kick-off against an out-of-form Birmingham, whose spirited showing belied a side that had managed just one win in its past six league games.
Arthur Okonkwo had to be alert to keep out Ibrahim Osman before the Wrexham goalkeeper rushed out to expertly deny Carlos Vicente before half-time.
But Chris Davies's hosts found their way through in the 48th minute when Kai Wagner delivered for Carlos Vicente to head home, despite Okonkwo getting a hand on the finish.
Parkinson eventually rang the changes, sending on talisman Josh Windass, but Birmingham sealed the win with 19 minutes remaining as Christoph Klarer prodded in from Seung-ho Paik's left-sided corner.
Parkinson couldn't hide his disappointment after the game.
"We came here today expecting Birmingham to play direct and go into the front quickly, which they did at Ipswich, and we were prepared for that," he said.
"We lacked a bit of patience when we had possession in the top third of the pitch and made the wrong decision on a few occasions.
"We were right in the game, and we're just so disappointed with the goals we've conceded today because out of nothing, two moments have been really costly for us."
Blues boss Chris Davies was delighted to have kept a good side so quiet.
"I really enjoyed watching the team today, I thought we were excellent throughout," he said.
"When the opposition doesn't have a shot on goal and we had so many chances, that says everything I think.
"I just like the way we played forward more rather than recycling it."
