Wrexham dismantle Crewe to boost hopes of finishing second in League Two as red-hot Paul Mullin scores yet again

Wrexham leapfrogged Mansfield into second place in League Two thanks to goals from Ollie Palmer, Paul Mullin and Andy Cannon.

Mullin and Palmer combined twice for first-half goals as the former's cross found the former AFC Wimbledon forward to head in the opener after 24 minutes. Some controversy occurred ahead of the second goal as Crewe midfielder Aaron Rowe's heavy challenge in Wrexham's half sparked an angry reaction from James McClean. Wrexham went on to score immediately after, as the free-kick was sent high up the pitch and Palmer nodded it on for Mullin to lift over the goalkeeper.

Things got worse for Crewe when Ryan Cooney was shown a red card for a handball in the middle of the field, and just five minutes later Wrexham were 3-0 up with a fine strike from Andy Cannon, boosting the Welsh team's hopes of finishing runners-up in League Two.

Time and time again Mullin has shown just how important he is to Wrexham and this match was another example. The forward masterminded his team's victory, setting up the opening goal and then even being involved as he nudged Cooney into a handball to earn the resulting red card.

His team were already two goals down and faced with a mountain to climb, but Cooney's sending off left them with zero chance of getting back into the game. He will feel hard done by, however, as Mullin gave him a slight push towards the ball that ultimately earned him the straight red.

Next up for already-promoted Wrexham is a top-of-the-table clash against Stockport County, who were crowned League Two champions on April 16 and will join the Red Dragons in League One. Phil Parkinson's side could, however, still secure second place, although that will require Mansfield Town to fail to win at least one of their final two matches of the season.