EFL intensifies as Wrexham Thrash Port Vale to Clinch EFL Trophy Group Dominance

In front of about 7,900 spectators at The STóK Cae Ras, WREXHAM defeated Port Vale 2-1 to win North Group B of the EFL Trophy

Before the last group match, both the Reds and League One team Vale had already earned a spot in the knockout stages. After defeating Crewe Alexandra 3-0 to follow up a 1-0 victory against Newcastle United under-21s, Phil Parkinson’s team entered the match in first place.

The Valiants needed a victory in North Wales to secure the top spot in the table, but Wrexham emerged victorious and will now play a home draw in the competition’s last 32, which they won in 2005.

Wrexham battled in the first half and fell down, but the Reds improved after the interval, with star striker Paul Mullin coming off the substitute to equalize with his sixth goal of the season. Another substitute, James McClean, made a major difference after coming on, scoring the late winner as Wrexham preserved their perfect record in three EFL Trophy appearances.

Parkinson chose an entirely different lineup than the one that started Saturday’s 2-1 FA Cup first-round win at Mansfield. Among the 11 substitutions, Dan Davies made his professional debut at right wing-back, while the substitutes were a mix of youth and experience.

McClean and Mullin were both named to the bench for this Saturday’s League Two encounter against Gillingham at home. Port Vale manager Andy Crosby, whose side reached the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the club’s history the previous midweek, followed Parkinson’s lead, making 10 changes from the team that began Saturday’s goalless draw with Burton in the FA Cup.

In the seventh minute, Tom Conlon’s free-kick sailed wide, giving the Valiants their first shot of goal.

Luke Young went close with a long-range shot for Wrexham, while Jake Bickerstaff fired straight at goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler after Liam McAlinden regained possession and passed off to the striker.

In a match between Port Vale and Wrexham, Jesse Debrah failed to score for Vale after running at goal, and Reds’ goalkeeper Luke McNicholas saved a superb shot from Ethan Chistlett. However, Port Vale took the lead after 31 minutes, with Josh Thomas smashed the ball into the net from close range. Wrexham had a half-chance, but Aaron James’ flick-on fell into his path, but he cleared the bar from six yards.

Wrexham struggled to get into the game, and Vale remained 1-0 up at the break. Parkinson made a triple substitution on the hour mark, replacing Waters, Dan Davies, and James. Andrew Buah did well to get into the box, but Wrexham equalized in the 70th minute. Mullin was picked out by McClean, and the striker slotted home at the back post.

Wrexham continued to press, and Mullin saw a 20-yard drive fall narrowly wide, while McClean’s long-range effort was deflected out for a corner. Leutwiler made an incredible save to keep out Jordan Davies’ shot after Mullin’s cross fell into his path, but Wrexham scored from the resulting corner on 83 minutes. Young sent in the set-piece, and McClean found the net with a header to register his first goal for the club.

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