Paul Mullin is back! 'Welshpool' scores stunner on return to lineup as Wrexham edge out Salford City to get Bristol Street Motors Trophy campaign off to perfect start

Wrexham boss Phil Parkinson made 11 changes to his team for the game and it was perhaps little surprise therefore to see his team put in a disjointed performance. An even first half was lit up by a piece of Mullin magic on 18 minutes. The Wrexham striker shifted the ball onto his left foot and then curled a fine strike past goalkeeper Matty Young and into the top corner. Yet Salford hit back early in the second half. Kelly N'Mai did well down the left and sent in a low cross that was touched back into the path of an onrushing Conor McAleny to stroke a low shot home. Wrexham almost hit back straightaway when Mullin got on the end of Luke Bolton's cross but could not direct his effort on target. Indeed it was left to substitute Will Boyle to supply the winner late on. A corner in from the right by Sebastian Revan was headed in by the defender at the far post to secure the win.

Wrexham fans will have been thrilled to see Mullin back in the starting XI for the first time this season after back surgery and the talisman didn't disappoint. He needed just 18 minutes to open his account for the season and did so in style with a curling effort that left the goalkeeper stranded. The celebration was almost as good as he thrilled the home fans by whipping out a 'Welshpool' mask.

Mo Faal made his Wrexham debut on Tuesday following his summer arrival from West Brom on a three-year deal. The 21-year-old has had to wait for his first appearance of the season but failed to take advantage of his opportunity in a really disappointing showing. Faal simply never looked like scoring and it was little surprise to see him take off as Parkinson looked for more attacking threat.

Wrexham will now turn their attentions back to League One and a huge clash against big-spending Birmingham City at St Andrew's on Monday night.