WREXHAM scored three second half goals to beat Gateshead 3-0 at The International Stadium and take over at the top of the National League.

It's been a brilliant four days for Wrexham who have made their move by winning two games, with the victory at Gateshead coming on the back of Saturday's 3-2 success over Maidstone.

Phil Parkinson's men have been playing catch-up but now have the outright lead, taking advantage of Notts County having both of their matches postponed.

Wrexham turn their attention to the FA Cup with Championship outfit Sheffield United the visitors for Sunday's fourth round tie but the Reds go into the clash knowing they have a three point lead over the Magpies having played the same number of fixtures.

The Reds didn't get into their stride in the first half but there was more urgency from Parkinson's side after the break.

They were much more of a threat and Wrexham took three of the chances, scoring through Tom O'Connor, Ollie Palmer and Paul Mullin to secure another big win in the race for automatic promotion.

Parkinson made one change from the side that started the victory against Maidstone three days earlier.

It was in attack with Palmer, who has been carrying a knock and came on as a second half substitute at The Gallagher Stadium, taking over from Sam Dalby.

Dalby was named on the bench where there was also a place for midfielder Andy Cannon who has made two starts in the FA Trophy since joining from Hull City last month.

Gateshead saw a lot of the ball in the opening exchanges and Quevin Castro's drive was comfortably gathered by Reds' goalkeeper Mark Howard.

Wrexham's first chance arrived in the 18th minute when Mullin crossed from the by-line and strike partner Palmer's header was saved by keeper Filip Marschall.

Elliot Lee saw a shot blocked in the area after the Reds' first corner of the game was only partially cleared but Howard did well to tip Danny Elliott's effort over the bar at the other end after he was played in by Greg Olley.

The Reds responded with Ben Tozer's throw-in which came out to Luke Young and his shot just cleared the bar.

However, Gateshead had a great chance to take the lead just before the break when Kamil Conteh threaded a pass through to Adam Campbell who brought a superb save out of Howard.

Campbell also fired over immediately after the restart while Tom O'Connor shot straight at Marschall for Wrexham.

There was an improvement from Wrexham with Mullin forcing Marschall to palm his effort away, and the Reds took a 61st minute lead.

Marschall flapped at Tozer's long throw-in, Gateshead failed to clear the danger and O'Connor found the back of the net with a header.

It got even better for Wrexham who made it 2-0 on 67 minutes.

Lee's shot was parried into the path of Palmer who fired home to double the lead.

Wrexham were on top and Mullin volleyed over the bar while Lee headed wide from Anthony Forde's cross.

Howard, who had little to do after the break, made a routine save to deny Louis Storey but Wrexham scored a third goal in the second minute of injury time.

Dalby flicked the ball to Mullin who fired past Marschall to complete a good night's work for the new leaders.

Gateshead (4-3-3): Marschall; Tinkler, Storey, Pye, Richardson; Olley, Conteh, Bailey (Forbes 60); Campbell, Elliott (Martin 77), Castro (Knight 73). Subs not used: Ward, Magnay.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Howard; Forde, Hayden, Tozer, Tunnicliffe, McFadzean; Young, O'Connor, Lee (Jones 89), Mullin (Cannon 90), Palmer (Dalby 84). Subs not used: Lainton, McAlinden.

Attendance: 1,422 (686 from Wrexham).