Birmingham burst Wrexham’s bubble! Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Red Dragons suffer first League One defeat to Tom Brady’s side as £15m man Jay Stansfield scores a brace

In a clash of two unbeaten sides, Wrexham took the lead within just three minutes. A corner delivery was not dealt with and Jack Marriott volleyed home via a deflection to give Phil Parkinson's side a dream start.

Birmingham were level in the 21st minute, though, as Jay Stansfield was quickest to react after Arthur Okonkwo parried an effort from outside the box.

As the half wore on, Birmingham appeared to gain more territory, with Wrexham gradually losing their grip on the game.

To make that point, the hosts had the lead in the 50th minute, as Stansfield headed a brilliant cross from Alex Cochrane into the bottom corner.

And on the hour, it was 3-1, thanks to a brilliant long-range curling drive from Tomoki Iwata on his league debut.

Wrexham responded by bringing on Paul Mullin, who sparked a brawl after a clash with Cochrane on the halfway line, in which he appeared to think about biting his opponent.

Krystian Bielik was sent off for Birmingham with five minutes left, as he received a second yellow card, but it did nothing to spark a Wrexham comeback.

Stansfield stole the headlines over the summer when he joined the Blues for £15m ($20m) from Fulham, and he looked every bit a £15m striker on Monday night. His brace involved two brilliant finishes with little reaction time, the mark of a proper poacher. If he carries on this form, Birmingham will be back in the Championship in no time.

Mullin came on as a substitute and cannot be blamed for the defeat but his behaviour after entering the field of play was nothing short of bizarre. Having been bodychecked by Cochrane, he appeared to think about biting him on the leg, and was booked for his role in the needless fracas. He failed to trouble Birmingham's defence, too; if he was meant to be the saviour, it didn't work.

Wrexham play Crawley Town on Saturday. Birmingham, by comparison, play Rotherham on the same day.