PHIL PARKINSON insists losing to Tranmere Rovers is not a season-defining defeat and Wrexham have still got a lot to play for.

The Reds' promotion challenge in League Two took another dent after going down 1-0 to local rivals Tranmere Rovers in the cross-border derby at The Racecourse.

Rovers took an early lead but despite enjoying the majority of possession, Wrexham lacked a cutting edge in the final third and struggled to create clear cut chances.

The Reds failed to score for the second successive home game, having also drawn a blank in last Tuesday's goalless draw with Harrogate Town.

Wrexham remain third in the table but are now five points behind leaders Mansfield Town. Second placed Stockport County are on the same number of points as the Reds but have two games in games in hand, while MK Dons in fourth are also on the same tally but have played a match more.

There are eight fixtures remaining in Wrexham's quest to secure a second successive promotion and Parkinson says his side are still well-placed in the race for a top-three finish.

"We have got to reflect on this," said the Reds' boss.

"There's so much to play for. This isn't a defining defeat although it was a local derby and we know what it means not only to our supporters but players and staff as well.

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"But it is not a season-defining defeat.

"We are in a strong position and we have got to dust ourselves down, and get ready to go again at Grimsby next week."

Tempers frayed following the final whistle and a melee involving players from both teams ensued but Parkinson didn't witness anything.

"I had gone down the tunnel," he added.

"Someone mentioned it to me but I was actually unaware of it until then.

"I don't know whether the referee had gone down the tunnel as well at the time.

"It is something you don't want to happen but emotions were running high."