PHIL PARKINSON won't dwell on the disappointing derby defeat to Tranmere Rovers on Saturday and says Wrexham will pick themselves up for the start of an eight-game season.

The Reds, held to a goalless draw by Harrogate Town last Tuesday, failed to score for the second home game in a row and lost 1-0 to Rovers who held onto their early lead.

Still third in League Two, Wrexham are now five points behind leaders Mansfield Town. Second placed Stockport County are one point ahead of the Reds with a game in hand after drawing 1-1 with Crawley on Monday night, while MK Dons in fourth are also on the same tally as Parkinson's men but have played a match more.

Wrexham continue the run-in against Grimsby Town at Blundell Park on Saturday and with eight matches remaining in the quest for a second successive promotion, Parkinson remains upbeat.

"It is still all to play for," said the Reds' boss.

"It is a very tight division and very competition, and we are in the mix where we want to be.

"We could be a in a lot stronger position after these two home games but we are not.

"But we look at the league table and say 'it is just an eight-game season, that's what it is all about now', and we have got to be ready for that.

"We are bitterly disappointed to lose but you have just got to take defeats.

"It hurts but we will come back and be ready to go at Grimsby with a really spirited performance. 

"If we play like we did against Tranmere, and against Harrogate and Morecambe and add that bit of quality, we won't be far off."

Despite dropping five points in the last two outings at The Racecourse, Wrexham's destiny remains in their own hands.

When asked whether he would have taken the current position at the start of the season, Parkinson added: "We certainly would.

"Obviously it doesn't feel like that at this moment because we have just lost a local derby.

"I can't fault the effort of the players, they have given us everything."