WREXHAM kicked-off their pre-season programme with a 5-2 victory against Nantwich Town at The Weaver Stadium.

Aaron Hayden and Trialist A scored in the opening period either side of a Dabbers leveller before Phil Parkinson named a different side for the second half and Kai Evans got the third goal.

Liam McAlinden made it 4-1 and after Nantwich reduced the deficit, last season's leading marksman Paul Mullin completed the scoring for the Reds.

Northern Premier League Premier Division outfit Nantwich made a bright start and had a couple of early efforts which failed to test debutant Wrexham goalkeeper Mark Howard.

But after causing trouble following a set-piece, Wrexham took a ninth minute lead with another excellent ball into the penalty area.

James Jones sent in a corner and Hayden rose highest to head the ball into the top corner.

Trialist A, operating as Wrexham's right wing-back, also had a shot blocked by a defender after progressing into the area while Wrexham had an even better chance to make it 2-0.

Callum McFadzean sent in a cross from the left and an unmarked Jake Hyde headed wide.

Dior Angus elected to go for goal instead of passing following a quick break but his effort was blocked, and Wrexham conceded an equaliser on 35 minutes.

Joel Grant cut inside and fired past Howard to put Nantwich back on level terms.

However, Wrexham were back ahead two minutes later.

Trialist A fired past Louis Gray with a powerful shot from the edge of the area.

Joel Stair couldn't keep his header down at the other end while Wrexham, with a different set of players on the pitch, started the second half with Evans racing forward before firing against the crossbar.

Ben Tozer headed wide while Ollie Palmer only just cleared the bar with a header following McAlinden's deflected shot.

McAlinden also went close before Wrexham made it 3-1 in the 58th minute.

Youth graduate Dan Jones won the ball, Palmer saw his effort saved by Louis Gray but Evans slotted into the net.

There was no let-up from Wrexham as Jordan Davies' free-kick was parried by Gray, and the midfielder fired wide with another chance.

It soon became 4-1 on 70 minutes when Palmer sent in a dangerous low cross which was converted by McAlinden.

But Nantwich pulled a goal back with Dan Cockerline finding the back of the net with a brilliant drive from outside the area.

Wrexham went upfield and bagged a fifth goal eight minutes from time, Mullin slotting home after racing onto Davies' through-ball.

Mullin almost got another but he fired wide with only Gray to beat, and Evans was also thwarted by the keeper as it finished 5-2.

Nantwich (4-4-2): Gray; Stair, Moran, Bourne, Devine; Heath, Robbins, Hughes, Grant; Cockerline, Cooke. Subs: Sheratt,, Leitch-Smith, Trialist, Sutton, Butler, Edwards, Castellano, Walters.

Wrexham 1st half (5-3-2): Howard; Trialist A, Hayden, Cleworth, Dan Davies, McFadzean; O'Connor, James Jones, Bickerstaff; Hyde, Angus.

Wrexham 2nd half (5-3-2): Trialist B; Dan Jones, Aaron James, Tozer, Dave Jones, McAlinden; Jordan Davies, Young, Evans; Mullin, Palmer.

Referee: Ollie Yates.

Attendance: 1,427.