Wrexham 3-0 Oldham Athletic: Paul Mullin brace helps Dragons reach FA Cup second round

Wrexham advanced to the FA Cup second round with a comfortable win over rival National League side Oldham Athletic.

Sam Dalby's second goal of the season set Wrexham on their way.

Leading scorer Paul Mullin scored in either half to seal Wrexham's place in the second round for the first time since 2018.

For Oldham boss David Unsworth, an FA Cup winner with Everton in 1995, it was a fifth defeat in all competition since taking charge in September.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson had described the tie against the Latics as a "welcome distraction" from the league, where they currently lie second.

The hosts were impressive from the start as Elliot Lee's neat backheel set up Mullin, whose shot deflected off David Okagbue and over the crossbar for a corner.

Within three minutes Wrexham were ahead with keeper Jayson Leutwiler only able to parry Luke Young's low long-range effort, presenting Dalby with a simple tap-in.

Sam Dalby gave Wrexham a 10th minute lead against Oldham

When OIdham ventured forward, former Dragon Ben Tollitt's cross was gathered comfortably by Mark Howard and later on Timmy Abraham fired wide.

But that apart it was the home side who were firmly in control and playing some fine football, with Callum McFadzean denied by Leutwiler before the inevitable second goal.

Goalscorer Dalby was the provider this time, playing in Mullin who resisted the chance to have an effort and cut inside into the box and wrongfooted the keeper.

Young flashed a rasping shot past the post as the first half drew to a close.

Abraham's header from Nathan Sheron's cross was gathered by Howard but they would fall further behind.

Mullin, on his 28th birthday, flicked the ball on from Ben Tozer's long throw-in to extend Wrexham's lead just after the hour mark.

They could have stretched further ahead with Lee having an effort cleared off the line and another blocked with a long range Mullin shot parried by Leutwiler.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson said:

"I thought it was a very good performance - honest, hardworking with some real quality in there as well.

"It was important we showed everyone what this club's all about, and the atmosphere was fantastic.

"But the way the lads went about their business I thought was very professional and there's a great togetherness out there.

"I'm very pleased to progress into the next round."