Wrexham faced Melbourne Victory in the first game of their pre-season tour of Australia.
Phil Parkinson made a surprise selection in his starting eleven as Ollie Palmer was given a chance to shine up top alongside Jack Marriott.
Palmer was told he can leave Wrexham by Parkinson but made his first start for the club since February during the pre-season friendly clash.
The striker was involved in the opening goal as his testing cross was parried by the Victory keeper straight to Thomas O’Connor and the defender produced a fine finish on the half volley just before the break.
Wrexham made 11 changes at half time and they soon saw their lead doubled as Ryan Barnett’s cross was turned in by Ryan Hardie on his debut for the club.
George Evans then completed the scoring with a finish from outside the box, the goalkeeper will feel he should have done better.
A fine start to the tour for Wrexham and plenty of positives for Parkinson to take from the match.
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Wrexham player ratings vs Melbourne Victory
Wrexham will be pleased to get some minutes under their belt against a Melbourne Victory side fresh off the back of their A-League season. Here’s how the Wrexham players rated in the 3-0 victory.
Arthur Okonkwo – 7
Begun his season like he ended the last, secure and solid in the net making a string of fine saves.
Max Cleworth – 7
Like he has never been away, calm and composed on the ball and made some crunching tackles early on in the game. Unlucky not to score with an acrobatic effort.
Dan Scarr – 6
Unlucky not to score from a header in the first half but led the back line well and continued from his excellent end to the season.
Tom O’Connor – 5
Struggled to cope with Melbourne’s victory down the right hand side, will be a concern to Parkinson ahead of the Championship campaign. Opened the scoring with a lovely finish on the half volley.
Ryan Longman – 9
Wrexham’s stand out performer. Longman looked sharp and direct from the very first minute and provided a number of dangerous crosses for the forwards to attack.
Sebastian Revan – 6
Looked energetic and had the beating of his full back, however his final ball was found wanting on a number of occasions. Needs to sharpen up that aspect of his game.
Matty James – 7
Dictated play from deep. Kept it simple with his passing but controlled the tempo of the game and once again showed his importance to this Wrexham side.
George Dobson – 7
A real busy display as usual Dobson, won a lot of duels and second balls in the midfield area and can be pleased with his first showing of the season.
Elliot Lee – 5
A quiet game from Wrexham’s most creative spark, struggled to get on the ball as much as he would like and will see it as a missed opportunity to impress.
Jack Marriott – 6
Looked bright around Palmer and took up a number of intelligent positions. Attacked the box well and was unlucky not to score.
Ollie Palmer – 8
Showed the qualities that Wrexham know he possesses. Palmer was a focal point of the attack and showed some excellent touches and hold up play. A solid performance under the spotlight.
Substitutes-
Danny Ward – 6
Very quiet introduction on his return to the club thanks to Wrexham’s dominance in the second half.
Aaron James – 6
Solid performance on the right side of a back three, defended well and used the ball intelligently.
Eoghan O’Connell – 6
Comfortable return for O’Connell at the heart of the defence, read the game well and distributed the ball well.
Lewis Brunt – 6
A nice return to action for Brunt, was rarely troubled and managed to carry the ball through the lines on a number of occasions.
Ryan Barnett – 7
Continued where he left off from last season with an assist for Hardie on his debut with a typically accurate cross.
James McClean – 7
Playing in a central role, McClean looked sharp upon his return and made several driving runs through midfield.
Jacob Mendy – 6
Showed glimpses of his pace and power but just looked rusty with his final decision making. Great to see him back on the pitch for the Red Dragons.
George Evans – 7
Slotted in at the base of midfield and kept things simple on the ball while taking up intelligent defensive positions.
Ollie Rathbone – 6
Typically energetic display from Rathbone and showed some nice touches throughout.
Harry Ashfield – 8
Produced a magical pass early on in the second half to set up an opportunity for Barnett. Unlucky not to score as his header hit the bar.
Ryan Hardie – 8
The perfect start for the new man. Showed great movement to dart to the front post and turn Barnett’s cross home. Positive signs already.
Callum Edwards – N/A
Replaced Hardie with just a couple of minutes left after the striker left the field with a knock.