Wrexham are through to the knockout stages of the EFL Trophy after beating Wolverhampton Wanderers 3-0 on Tuesday night.
Wrexham were back in action on Tuesday night as the attention turned back to the EFL Trophy.
Phil Parkinson and co were still on a high from Saturday’s win over Northampton Town but had to focus on EFL Trophy progression on Tuesday.
Wolverhampton Wanderers Under-21’s visited the STōK Cae Ras and Wrexham coasted to another strong home win.
Lewis Brunt and Paul Mullin scored in the first half before a spectacular bicycle kick from Man of the Match Modou Faal sealed the 3-0 win.
Wrexham now have two wins from two in the EFL Trophy having beaten Salford City 2-0 in September.
Wrexham coach hails Anthony Forde
That means Wrexham are won into the knockout stages with one group stage game still to play.
Wrexham will be delighted with the win and especially because Phil Parkinson named a rotated team for Tuesday’s victory.
Youngsters Aaron James and Harry Ashfield both started whilst Anthony Forde was given a chance at right wing back.
The Irishman enjoyed a stunning performance as he racked up three assists, taking a page out of Ryan Barnett’s book in the process.
Forde whipped in a stunning free kick for Brunt to open the scoring before finding Mullin with a perfect pass in behind for 2-0.
Forde then set up Faal’s acrobatic stunner via a deflection, effectively handing him a third assist of the game.
Wrexham coach David Jones has now moved to praise Forde whilst speaking to Wrexham Match Day Live.
Jones noted that Forde showed quality on Tuesday night and praised his mentality given his lack of League One action this season.
Jones added that Forde produced a ‘fantastic’ display with three assists as wrexham eased to victory.
“That’s the quality that Fordey has shown tonight really,” said Jones.
“Not being involved, having to train every day, keep yourself fit and be ready to be able to perform mentally with a performance like that tonight.
“To get three assists is fantastic, so really good credit to him and everybody else in the team that they managed to keep that focus and perform like they did tonight,” he added.
Forde still fighting for Wrexham future
Forde has been through a tough time of late.
The 30-year-old only played 14 times in League Two last season as injuries and personal problems kept him out.
Forde hasn’t been registered for League One action this term with Parkinson preferring to give him some more time to get back to his best.
Wrexham could register Forde in January but he is eligible to play in the EFL Trophy – and he certainly took his chance on Tuesday night.
A starring role at Wrexham may be a long shot but Forde still has bags of quality in his locker and we would love to see him make an impact in 2025.