Wrexham 4-1 Farnborough: Paul Mullin hat-trick secures FA Cup third-round spot

Paul Mullin's hat-trick secured Wrexham's place in the FA Cup third round as they overcame dogged Farnborough.

Mullin scored his 50th Wrexham goal early in the second half to give home side the lead.

Oliver Pendlebury's free-kick brought the National League South side level.

But Elliot Lee's fine 20-yard strike and two late Mullin goals saw Wrexham reach round three for the first time since the 2014-15 season.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson had said ahead of the game that a potential tie against a Premier League side would be "great" for the club's profile.

Jordan Davies twice went close for the hosts in the first half, with his first effort saved by Jack Turner before his follow-up shot was blocked.

Farnborough finished the first half strongly as Pendlebury was denied by Mark Howard and Jonathon Page's effort flew over the crossbar.

Wrexham went ahead three minutes after the break when substitute James Jones headed on Luke Young's corner for Mullin to net from close range.

Callum McFadzean should have doubled the lead a minute later, sending a fierce shot inches wide of the post.

But the visitors were awarded a free-kick in a dangerous position on the edge of the area after Lee's foul on Reggie Young.

And Spencer Day's side, who had knocked out League Two Sutton United in the previous round, were level as Pendlebury's curling free-kick beat Howard and found the top corner for a deserved equaliser.

But with 12 minutes remaining the Farnborough defence failed to clear a Mullin cross and Lee let fly to restore his side's lead.

Dragons top scorer Mullin added a third four minutes later applying the final touch to McFadzean's cross.

McFadzean was again the provider for Mullin's acrobatic third goal which was harsh on Farnborough, who had more than matched their hosts up until the final 12 minutes.

Wrexham last reached the third round seven years ago, when they were eventually knocked out by then Premier League side Stoke City.

Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson told BBC Sport Wales:

"I knew this would be a tough game because I'd seen them play and they are probably as good as any team in our league at making it difficult for the opposition as they did at Sutton.

"I thought they put in a very disciplined performance and the conditions were difficult as well and we struggled with fluency in the first half.

"But I said to the lads if it is a scrappy game let's make sure we scrap and wait for those moments of quality that come to the fore because we've got to believe they're going to because we've got good players.

"And I felt we did that - we dug in even when they scored the goal and I felt there was an air of calmness about the group and that the moment of quality would come for us to win the game.

"I would like a Premiership team at home. I know the financial rewards from being away from home would be great but if you're asking me I just feel this place deserves a Premiership team coming to town and let's test ourselves against one of those teams."