IT’S been a tough start to the season for Wrexham but it’s something that manager Phil Parkinson has embraced.

The difficult run of fixtures since kicking-off a 14th campaign in non-league continues tomorrow when Parkinson takes his side to Stockport County, who were installed as favourites for the title alongside the Reds.

Having already faced the likes of Notts County, Grimsby and Southend, who were tipped to challenge for promotion, and Dagenham and Redbridge who arrived at The Racecourse last week sitting top of the table, Wrexham are used to tricky tests even at this early stage of the campaign gone and it’s something Parkinson is thriving on.

“We knew when the fixtures came out that we had a lot of the fancied teams in the early part of the season but that is a good test for ourselves,” said Parkinson, who will welcome leaders Chesterfield to The Racecourse for the next home game after next Saturday's trip to Aldershot.

“I feel we are a team that is going to keep improving as we go on through the season.

“We are building up understandings through the pitch as players play together more and train together.

“And people are settling into the club. When you bring a lot of players in, and moving to the area, gradually we are getting that cohesion in our play.

“We know there is room for improvement and that we will get better but I am fairly pleased with the progress we are making at the moment, but I know there is more to come from us."