Phil Parkinson is preparing Wrexham for battle against Exeter City this weekend but will have paid close attention to Tuesday’s Central League win.
There is just one focus at Wrexham right now; the League One promotion race.
Wrexham beat Stockport County over the weekend to reclaim second place in the League One table.
Phil Parkinson is in a great position with just eight games to play and Wrexham could land a third straight promotion.
Parkinson needs everybody to be ready for the final push and Tuesday’s Central League clash with Mansfield Town offered opportunities to fringe players.
Paul Mullin scored Wrexham’s second goal in a 4-0 win as Parkinson’s reserves racked up a comfortable victory.
Harry Ashfield showcases ability in Wrexham reserves win
Mullin will, understandably, grab the headlines.
The Wrexham goal hero has been out of favour in the first team ever since the January transfer window closed.
Mullin isn’t even getting on the bench for most League One games, but sent a reminder of his quality to Parkinson by finding the net.
Fellow exiled striker Ollie Palmer also found the net, but teenager Harry Ashfield also caught the eye with two assists.
Mansfield have posted a match report on their official website and noted that two goals came from Ashfield set pieces.
Ashfield’s corner was headed home by Max Purvis in the first half, before the Wrexham talent repeated the trick after the break.
Dan Scarr headed another Ashfield corner into the back of the net, putting Wrexham 3-0 up before Palmer added number four.
There were so many experienced players in this Wrexham side but Ashfield seized another chance to shine, bagging two assists in the 4-0 win.
Phil Parkinson surely impressed with Ashfield deliveries
Ashfield signed a new Wrexham contract last week and is looking to break through into the first team on a regular basis.
Parkinson praised Ashfield after his EFL Trophy semi-final display against Peterborough United and there is surely more to come from the teenager.
Wrexham place a keen focus on getting the ball into the box from wide areas and from set pieces.
17 of Wrexham’s 52 League One goals have come from set pieces this season and Parkinson will always value quality deliveries into the box.
Ashfield’s corners into the box were certainly appreciated on Tuesday afternoon and won’t have gone unnoticed by Parkinson.