Championship
Birmingham claims Hollywood derby win at Wrexham
Wrexham remains winless in the EFL Championship after a 2-1 defeat at home to Birmingham City in the battle of the two American-owned clubs.… Show More
Wrexham remains winless in the EFL Championship after a 2-1 defeat at home to Birmingham City in the battle of the two American-owned clubs.
It was Birmingham's first win of the new season, coming after two previous draws, and lifted Chris Davies' side into the top four in the early standings as Wrexham suffered a first defeat after its own double draw start to the 2026-2027 campaign.
Phil Parkinson's hosts started brightly, but went behind from a set-piece in the 13th minute. Demarai Gray had forced a corner with a deflected shot, and Phil Nemann was on hand to head home at the far post after an excellent delivery from Alex Cochrane.
The visitors went in ahead at half-time and probably should have been out of sight but for some poor finishing, and less than 10 minutes after the restart, Wrexham was level through Callum Doyle, who buried a pinpoint cross from Lewis O'Brien at close range.
Home hopes were dashed, though, when nine minutes later Neumann used his head for a second time to find the net once more, glancing home to 63 minutes after Wrexham had failed to deal with a long throw.
Parkinson was fuming and soon rang the changes, making four of them on 71 minutes to try and turn things around, including handing new signing Issa Kabore his debut for the Welsh club.
But it made no difference in the end as Birmingham saw out the match to earn all three points, leaving Wrexham still searching for answers.
"The two goals we conceded were two of the softest goals we've conceded in all my time here, and that includes being in the National League," a furious Parkinson said after the match.
"I thought we lacked conviction in our play tonight in the first half, second half I thought we were better, that's why I'm so annoyed with the second goal, because we'd got back in the game.
"But we looked like a team where everyone was looking around the pitch for someone else to go and make it happen, rather than take responsibility as individuals.
"I've got to think long and hard about it, we conceded in the last minute against Cardiff [City], there's been a lot of talk around the transfer window, a lot of uncertainty."
City boss Davies was obviously the far happier of the two coaches, and lauded his side for its positive start to the game, and the way it held together for the win.
"It was a really good night for us, I thought we started the game really well just like you'd want to away from home," he said.
"We got on the front foot, had some moments and we could have been maybe a couple of goals up at half-time, so, I was really pleased with that.
"I think we looked like a team, that's the main thing, we looked like a real team and we had to be one, to come to a place like Wrexham who are a really solid and a really good side, especially at home. So, for us it's a big, big win."
Show Less
