Birmingham City v Wrexham: League One

Blues vs The Robins: The Storypublished at 19:41 British Summer Time

Birmingham City vs Wrexham (20:00 BST)

Scott, Ged
BBC Sport at St Andrew's

Wrexham's Chris Llewellyn celebrates after giving his side the lead at St Andrew's in September 2006 — Caption,

Wrexham's Chris Llewellyn celebrates after putting his side ahead on their last visit to St Andrew's in the League Cup almost exactly 18 years ago – but the Blues recovered to win 4-1.

When you consider how long Wrexham spent in the amateur leagues this millennium, while Birmingham City spent seven seasons in the Premier League, it is easy to forget that the two clubs have experienced their respective ups and downs before this.

The Blues played in the English third division for four seasons between 1989 and 1995, while Wrexham played in the second division between 1978 and 1982, hosting league matches against teams such as Chelsea, West Ham and Newcastle.

Going back even further, the Robins originally left Wales in 1905 to play – oddly enough – in the Birmingham & District League before moving to the Football League in 1920, where they remained until being relegated to the Conference in 2008.

All this explains why the two teams have rarely met in their long history (the Blues joined the Football League in 1892, the same year as Liverpool). In fact, they have met more often in cup competitions (five) than in the league (four).

Only in two league seasons, once in 1979-1980 when Wrexham were still playing in the second division. And then again in 1994-1995 when the Blues played their last season in the third division and were promoted as champions under Barry Fry.

The two teams last met in February 1995 and Blues won 5-2. The two goalscorers were Kevin Francis, Louie Donowa, Ricky Otto and Peter Shearer. Former Chester striker Gary Bennett scored for Wrexham.