AS they set out to defend their Football League Youth Alliance title, the young Reds head north today to take on Rochdale and returned home with a great 4-0 victory.

While the scoreline might look convincing, this match was a had fought encounter at Dark Lane, Rossendale.

Just as with the first team on Saturday, the players looked nervous and more than a little edgey, but in the end they showed great resilience to battle for the win.

The Dragons took the lead when Jamie Colbeck continued his good pre-season form by pouncing on a cross to prod the ball home.

Then minutes before the break, good work by Nick Rushton on the left wing created an opening for Jordan Kane to send the visitors back to the dressing rooms with a good lead.

To be fair to Rochdale, they came out for the second half with renewed vigour and took the game to Wrexham, penning the Welshmen back in their own half for long periods.

A great save from Wales U19 keeper Tom Bainbridge maintained Wrexham's two goal advantage at just the right time.

Having weathered the storm, the visitors hit back to score two more goals late in the day.

Once more some tremendous approach play on the left flank allowed Nick Rushton to get a sight of goal and with the Dale custodian misjudging the striker's effort, the ball ended up in the far corner of the goal.

The fourth goal came direct from a corner, as Ed Moss' curling effort deceived everyone and found the back of the net.

This display could best be described as effiicient, but following friendly successes against the likes of Crewe Alexandra and Stoke City, the lads can take a great deal of satisfaction from scoring four goals and picking up the three points.

It will be another long and difficult season for the youngsters, but what a great way to start!

Wrexham: Tom Bainbridge,   Ed Moss, Nick Rushton, Jamie Colbeck, Jordan Kane.