Wrexham take on Reading in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night as Jack Marriott continues to make a big impact for the Royals.
Wrexham said goodbye to a handful of strikers over the summer, both on loan and in permanent deals.
Paul Mullin joined Wigan Athletic on loan before Modou Faal also headed to League One, joining Port Vale.
The full-time exits saw Ollie Palmer sign for Swindon Town and Jack Marriott head to Reading, becoming the third Wrexham striker to move back to League One.
Reading boss hails former Wrexham striker Jack Marriott
Marriott only spent 18 months with Wrexham after signing from Fleetwood Town in January 2024.
The experienced striker initially struggled to make an impact, but impressed in the opening stages of last season with red-hot goalscoring form.
Now playing regular first-team football once again with Reading, Marriott is making a real impact.
Marriott scored his first League One goal for Reading against Barnsley last weekend and added another to his tally against Leyton Orient on Saturday.
Reading boss Noel Hunt has now praised Marriott, telling the Royals’ official website that he thinks the striker has been ‘brilliant’ so far.
Hunt praised Marriott’s ‘never-say-die’ attitude, suggesting that his goal was merely a ‘bonus’ after a fantastic all-round display.
“He’s a great kid, I love him,” said Hunt.
“He’s been brilliant for us. I’ve worked with him before, and I knew the kind of character he was. It’s really important for us to have that fight, the never-give-in and never-say-die attitude. I’m delighted for him; he got another goal to keep him going. Not just that, his contribution to the game – the goal is a bonus. How he brings people into the game and how he stretches the line was really important,” he added.
Reading form ahead of Wrexham clash
Reading’s next game is against, would you believe it, Wrexham!
The Royals travel to the STōK Cae Ras on Tuesday night and will be looking for a passage into the next round of the Carabao Cup.
There has been some confusion over whether Marriott is able to play, with Reading claiming he is cup-tied in the Carabao Cup, and EFL rules suggesting he is eligible.
We will find out for sure on Tuesday night, and Wrexham will be favourites to see off the League One side.
Saturday’s win over Leyton Orient was just a second League One win of the season for Reading, with Hunt losing four of his first eight games this season.
Reading have seen off Portsmouth and AFC Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup, though, and Wrexham must take Tuesday’s game seriously in order to reach the next round.