PHIL PARKINSON described it as a good day's work after Wrexham kicked off their pre-season programme with a 5-1 win against Hanley Town.

The Northern Premier League Division One West outfit stepped in to host the Reds when a planned behind closed doors friendly with a Premier League side was postponed and 1,750 supporters - a record attendance at Potteries Park thanks to a large contingent of away supporters - braved the elements.

Although a number of players weren't risked because of injury, Parkinson was still able to name practically two different teams with only Harry Ashfield, who replaced Elliot Lee in the first period, staying on the pitch when the action resumed after the interval.

Youngsters Ashfield, Callum Edwards, James Rainbird and Harry Dean made up the numbers and Wrexham, preparing for the new League One campaign after securing back-to-back promotions for the first time in the club's history, sealed a big win.

Those young guns all gave a good account of themselves and with Wrexham 1-0 up at the break, the second half team found their shooting boots as the Reds' ran out comfortable winners but Parkinson was just pleased his players got their first run-out ahead of the pre-season tour to North America.

"It was a good work-out for us and it sets us up nicely for our trip to America," said Parkinson.

"Some of the young lads got some time on the pitch with the senior players which is great and I was pleased the pitch was good.

"It was a good crowd which is great for Hanley and it was a good day's work.

"We have had 10 v 10s in training so this was the next step, and it was a 45 minute work-out and then some running at half-time for the first ones and some at the end for the others. All in all it is a decent day.

"The lads got the goals in the second half after Hanley defended well in the first half; they got behind the ball and made it difficult which you are going to get through the season so I was generally pleased."

James McClean, who was captain, opened the scoring four minutes before the break with a superb strike and when the action resumed after the break, Jordan Davies and Sam Dalby put the Reds 3-0 up.

Although Hanley reduced the deficit, Davies found the net again and Jake Bickerstaff completed the scoring, with Parkinson pleased with the quality of the finishing.

"A great goal from James to get us off and running, a fantastic finish," added Parkinson.

"Jordan got two really good strikes, typical Jordan Davies goals and Sam a fantastic near-post run.

"I was so pleased for Jake to get a goal, another great strike from the edge of the box.

"Of course you always want your goalscorers to get goals in these types of games."

The rain never eased all game and Wrexham, playing with a back-four and diamond shaped midfield, saw a lot of the ball in the early exchanges as expected.

There was a blow when Lee was forced off with a thigh injury after a quarter-of-an-hour and had to be replaced by Ashfield.

Callum Edwards twice fired off target for Wrexham who came close to breaking the deadlock when Eoghan O'Connell headed narrowly wide.

Wrexham continued to dominate and Ryan Barnett had a shot saved by the goalkeeper while Ashfield's low drive hit the post, but the Reds went ahead four minutes before the break.

McClean took a short corner and the ball was played back to him, with the full-back finding the top corner with a superb shot from the edge of the box.

With a different side taking to the pitch for the second half, Wrexham made it 2-0 four minutes after the restart.

Davies drove forward and he found the bottom corner with a low drive.

Wrexham went 3-0 ahead following a good move after 53 minutes when Rainbird sent in a teasing cross that was turned home by Dalby.

Although the Reds were well on top, Hanley didn't let their heads drop and Kyle Blake pulled a goal back.

However, Wrexham went 4-1 up when Davies found the back of the net with another well-taken finish in the 65th minute.

Davies, who was on a hat-trick, went close before Bickerstaff put Wrexham 5-1 up on 75 minutes with his effort from just outside the area.

It could have been more but Luke Bolton's cross-shot was cleared off the line and Davies hit the post.

Wrexham will face tougher tests but Parkinson can be pleased with what he saw in the first friendly.

Wrexham - First half (4-4-2): Okonkwo; Barnett, James, O'Connell, McClean; Dobson, Jones, Edwards, Lee (Ashfield 15); Marriott, Palmer.

Second half: (4-3-3) Howard; Bolton, Cleworth, Evans, Rainbird; Ashfield (Dean 76), Cannon, Davies; Bickerstaff, Dalby, Waters.