Following Wrexham’s 4-1 victory over Farnborough and subsequent progression into the Third Round of the FA Cup, hat-trick hero Paul Mullin shared his thoughts.
Farnborough and Oliver Pendlebury cancelled out Wrexham’s initial lead, but it was Elliot Lee’s 78th minute screamer that restored Wrexham’s lead. The Red Dragons didn’t stop there though, as Mullin added two more goals in the final embers of the game to claim the match ball.
On Farnborough Result and Goals
“The third goal was probably the most picturesque.”
Mullin’s third goal was the final nail in the coffin for Farnborough, as he flung himself acrobatically to better connect with the incoming ball, allowing him to guide it into the Farnborough net.
The Wrexham number ten credited the success of both of the late goals to Callum McFadzean and spoke of the creativity needed in scoring goals.
“The lads have got to create chances for me to score, and today McFadzean has put two on a plate for me.”
His 50th goal for the club and first of the night came just after half-time. Pure willingness, fight and instincts led to the goal materialising.
“The first one was also lucky. A reach of the leg after [Sam] Dalby flicked it towards the goal.”
It’s easy to get carried away with personal success, especially after procuring a second club hat-trick. However, Mullin was intent on marking the team’s contributions to the result and their objectives this year.
“It’s not about me, it’s about the team. We’ve worked really hard today... Our aim this year is to try and get promotion, but a cup run will do well for the fans to enjoy [themselves].”
On Third Round Draw
Looking ahead to the Third Round draw, Mullin’s preferred opposition would be two teams close to home for him.
“Liverpool away or Everton at home. I’d favour either of the ties. Liverpool would be more special to me, with me being a Liverpool fan, but equally playing Everton here would be a nice opportunity to cause an upset.”
The inclusion of Premier League sides into the draw for the upcoming round brings the age-old question of whether you’d favour playing at home or have an away day at the biggest stadiums.
The undisputable fact for the teams outside of the Premier League is the undying need to be ‘giant killers’; a feat Wrexham know all too well.
“We look forward to the draw. What a dream. Playing at the big stadiums against the big teams. Whoever we get we’d do our best to win.”
Mullin signified here the dream-like fever that FA cup runs hold for the lower-ranked teams, whilst also embodying the unwavering desire to win every game placed at the hands of the Red Dragons.