The intense rivalry between Stockport and Wrexham dates only back to the 2021/22 season, the first full season that Wrexham had under new Hollywood owners and Stockport tried once again to get promoted back into the Football League, for the first time since 2010.

Stockport fell short of promotion only a year prior after a 1-0 defeat to Hartlepool in the Play Off Semi Finals. Meanwhile a rebranding Wrexham had finished eighth and just outside a place in the Playoffs.

The following season, where the rivalry began. Both sides took three points from each other in the league at their respective stadiums, but when it came to the end of the season, it was Stockport who took the glory and won the Vanarama National League to send themselves straight into the Football League for the first time in 11 years.

They’ve done it!

Stockport County are National League champions and promoted to the English football league for the first time in 11 years!

We’ll have reaction from Edgeley Park on North West Tonight at 6:50pm this evening. pic.twitter.com/R6FyXb9wt9

— BBC North West (@BBCNWT) May 15, 2022

As Wrexham fell short and finished second in the league, taking them through to the Playoffs which was short lived after Grimsby beat the Welsh side in extra time.

The 22/23 season was very lacklustre for this rivalry as both sides were in different divisions however, Wrexham were not far behind their newly fierce rivals. Wrexham finished top of the Vanarama National League and made their long awaited return after 17 years. Stockport, on the brink of back to back promotions, lost to Carlise at Wembley Stadium in the League Two Play Off Final.

Your National League Champions!!

🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC

pic.twitter.com/tHWRPQrf8Q

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) April 22, 2023

Heading into the 23/24 season, Wrexham and Stockport are back in the same division and pick up exactly where they left off. Stockport showed no signs of slowing down as they finished top of League Two trashing Wrexham 5-0 along the way, but it was Wrexham who stole the show as they finished second, got revenge on Stockport in the latter stages of the season and secured back to back promotions.

Goal for Stockport, Paddy Madden.

90’ | Stockport County 5-0 Wrexham AFC

🔴⚪️ #WxmAFC

— Wrexham AFC (@Wrexham_AFC) September 23, 2023

Now to the current season, and both sides show no sign of slowing down. Stockport currently sit top of the League One table and Wrexham are level on points in second with goal difference being the only separation.

Both sides have had major financial takeovers since 2020 which has caused this modern rivalry to spark and spiral with no ending in sight. Both franchises are run excellently, therefore it is hard to imagine them not making it to the Championship the next season, then conquering the best league in the world, the English Premier League.

The beginning of this rivalry initiated back in 2011 with both sides consistently beating each other but it was nothing other than a typical mid table clash, but now, it means everything to the fans, the players, the owners, to beat their rivals and prove that they are the best and that they can make it further.