Wrexham AFC further boosted their promotion hopes, as a first Wrexham goal for Ryan Barnett was followed by Paul Mullin’s brace and a sixth goal of the season for Andy Cannon to claim a 4-1 victory under the lights.
After a quiet opening 20 minutes, Barnett opened his account for the Club in the 21st minute, after a wait that lasted just longer than a year for the wing-back.
Mullin then extended the lead just two minutes later, as the Red Dragons claimed a 2-0 lead at a crucial time in the clash.
Andy Cannon then netted the third with 17 minutes remaining, before Mullin claimed his brace in the 82nd minute to wrap up a comprehensive victory.
Phil Parkinson named two changes to the Starting XI which faced Colchester United in last weekend’s 2-1 win, as Elliot Lee and Ollie Palmer returned into the line-up.
Crawley came into the game full of confidence, after a 4-1 win over Mansfield Town bolstered their late play-off hopes, on the back of a 4-0 victory against Newport County just five days prior.
The visitors got proceedings underway in North Wales, and Scott Linsdey’s side battled away well against the Red Dragons in a well-matched opening period.
However, soon enough Parkinson’s side managed to escape the battle, and put some much-needed breathing space between themselves and the Red Devils.
A slick team move which involved Eoghan O’Connell, Paul Mullin, and Lee eventually meant that Wrexham’s number 38 could unleash a wicked delivery into the path of Ryan Barnett at the back-post.
The wing-back has yet to score for the Club since joining in February 2023, and had come close to breaking that stat on several occasions so far this season – until he finally struck gold in the 21st minute.
Having made a late run at the far post, he bundled the ball home to record a crucial opening goal before running in front of the Wrexham faithful with a darts-inspired celebration at the STōK Cae Ras.
Just two minutes and 18 seconds later, Corey Addai was yet again picking the ball up out of his net, as Wrexham doubled their advantage in style.
Barnett was yet again at the forefront of the move, as it was his pass that unleashed Andy Cannon on the right before the midfielder squared the ball into the path of Mullin.
Fresh off scoring his 100th goal for the Club against Colchester United, the forward fired home with ease from close-range after 23 minutes to cement Wrexham’s dominance against the visitors.
Wrexham continued to blow the Red Devils away with their intensity, as the atmosphere in North Wales really began to amplify following the quick-fire double.
It was almost 3-0 in added-time prior to the interval, as a fantastic cross from Cannon came close to recording a second assist for the evening, only for Lee’s header to hit the post before the referee called an end to the first half.
While Crawley led on possession stats and provided reasonable threat, the Red Dragons did well to maintain their shape and frustrate Scott Lindsey’s side with their well-structured defensive line.
Cannon saw a volley deflected over for a corner in the 54th minute, but apart from that, chances were few and far between for the hosts.
It was yet again Cannon who had a chance to extend the lead, this time after 73 minutes, when he latched onto a smart pass and fired a well-struck volley at Addai.
The midfielder finally got his rewards just three minutes later, as he was first to follow up on the rebound from Lee’s strike to extend Wrexham’s lead at home for his fourth league goal of the season.
Harry Forster had the ball in the net for Crawley Town in the 80th minute, but it didn’t matter as the flag was up for offside.
Mullin then wrapped up a complete victory just two minutes later, as the forward teamed up with Steven Fletcher to force Ade Adeyemo into a mistake.
Wrexham’s highest current goalscorer then extended his record to 102 goals for the Club, as he drove onto the loose ball and fired into the far-right corner, clipping the post before his effort nestled into the net.
Klaidi Lolos scored a late consolation for the hosts in added-time, but it didn't matter as Wrexham claimed a vital three points in the race for promotion.
Wrexham AFC: Okonkwo, Cleworth, O'Connell, O'Connor, Barnett (Bolton 84’), Cannon (J. Davies 82’), Evans, Lee, McClean, Mullin (C) (Marriott 84’), Palmer (Fletcher 75’).
Subs not used: Howard, Tozer, McFadzean.
Crawley Town: Addai, Gordon (Adeyemo 59’), Conroy (C), Maguire, Lolos, Orsi (Campbell 70’), Darcy, Kelly (Roles 70’), Tsaroulla (Forster 59’), Williams (Kelly 51’), Wright.
Subs not used: Sandford, Mukena.
Match Attendance: 11,544 (316 Away).
