We may only be five games into the new seasons but Wrexham sit top of the League One table after four wins from the first five games.
Wrexham had derby day business to take care of on Saturday afternoon as Shrewsbury Town arrived at the STōK Cae Ras.
Phil Parkinson’s men turned in a fine display and were 2-0 up by the break as Ollie Palmer and Elliot Lee found the net.
Jack Marriott killed the game off as a contest early in the second half, firing into an empty net to secure a 3-0 Wrexham win.
Four wins from five is a hugely impressive record for Wrexham, as is a rather astonishing run of four clean sheets in a row.
Derby day wins are always sweet but Wrexham’s win was even more enjoyable having been inspired by a former Shrewsbury Town player.
Ryan Barnett makes Shrewsbury Town pay
Wrexham wing back Ryan Barnett was born in Shrewsbury and spent nearly 15 years in their ranks.
Barnett was handed a league debut in October 2018 but was then farmed out on loan to AFC Telford United – three times – and then Gloucester City and Solihull Moors.
After just eight league appearances for Shrewsbury, Barnett was released on a free transfer and joined Solihull Moors permanently.
That is where Barnett caught Wrexham’s attention and he completed a move to the STōK Cae Ras in February 2023.
Barnett has now become a key man for Wrexham, even being branded ‘tremendous’ by Parkinson last season – and he really haunted Shrewsbury on Saturday.
Barnett set up Lee’s goal against the Shrews, starting with some quick feet to dispossess Mal Benning.
The Wrexham ace drove forward at pace and drove infield before perfectly laying the ball on for Lee to score.
Shrewsbury backed off and backed off with Barnett more than happy to make his former club pay.
Barnett recorded two key passes and completed four of his six crosses into the box – the highest of any Wrexham player in that regard.
The 24-year-old also made an interception and blocked a shot, chipping in on the defensive side too.
Wrexham benefit from Barnett’s Shrewsbury exit
Barnett is so dangerous as a wing back and his attacking play has been a real feature so far this season, leaving Rob McElhenney impressed.
Parkinson has made Barnett his clear first choice with Anthony Forde left out of the squad and Luke Bolton almost leaving the club in the summer.
Barnett’s rise must sting for Shrewsbury, especially as Barnett himself wanted to become a legend at the club.
Speaking to the Shropshire Star in 2023, Barnett admitted that he loved Shrewsbury but knew he would be let go – and didn’t want to be at the club anymore.
“I still loved Shrewsbury, I was there from 8 to 21 but I was frustrated in the club and myself really, because I’d come so far and I wanted to be a Shrewsbury Town regular, a club legend,” said Barnett.
“I went back and knew what was going to happen, I was going to be released and I didn’t want to be there really,” he added.
Shrewsbury’s loss is certainly Wrexham’s gain and Saturday’s display was another fine example of the player Barnett has become at the STōK Cae Ras.