Sheffield United fixtures typify Wrexham's journey

Sheffield United and Wrexham are set to meet in a league fixture at Bramall Lane for the first time since October 1982 [Getty/PA Media] Phil Parkinson believes Wrexham 's recent meetings with Sheffield United have typified the Red Dragons' remarkable progress during his time as manager. In January 2023, the Blades needed a 95th-minute equaliser to earn a 3-3 draw with Wrexham , then a National League side, in the FA Cup before winning the fourth round replay 3-1 thanks to two goals in added time. But the two sides are now division rivals, and Parkinson's side came from 3-1 down to beat Chris Wilder's men 5-3 in the Championship on 26 December.

"The Sheffield United games as a separate entity since we've been here have been a great indication of what the club is all about," Parkinson said before his side's trip to Bramall Lane on Saturday (15:00 GMT). "The cup games were incredible days for us. The draw here and then we went to Bramall Lane and everyone thought our best chance had gone.

We went so close to winning there against, at the time, a team top of the Championship. "Then, over Christmas we played Sheffield United, and bearing in mind they were play-off finalists last year - we conceded goals in the early part of the game and came back really well. "I think they're good examples against Sheffield United of what everybody's tried to instil here of how we want to be reflected.

" Latest Wrexham news, analysis and fan views Championship play-off race to go 'to the wire' The Blades currently sit 10 points adrift of the play-off places with just eight matches left to play in the regular season. Wrexham were replaced in the top six on Wednesday night by Southampton who earned a 1-0 win against Norwich City to climb above the Red Dragons on goal difference. But with one more match to be played prior to the March international break, Parkinson has called for an "almighty" effort from everyone connected to the club when his side travel to South Yorkshire.