Paul Mullin marked his first start of the season with his first goal of the campaign as Wrexham saw off visitors Salford City in their first match of the EFL Trophy group stage.

The striker, Wrexham’s top scorer last season, has been eased back into action so far after undergoing minor spinal surgery at the end of last season – coming off the bench in three League One encounters.

Mullin took just 18 minutes to leave his mark, cutting inside onto his left foot before curling an amazing strike from just outside the box into the far top corner.

The 29-year-old added a cheeky celebration, briefly donning his ‘Welshpool’ mask from the sidelines – part of his costume in a cameo appearance in the film ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ starring Wrexham co-owner Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman.

Matty Lund almost equalised for the visitors before half-time but was denied by Callum Burton‘s great save.

Salford were back on level terms early in the second half after Conor McAleny was set up by Hakeeb Adelakun.

Mullin nearly restored the lead when his shot rebounded off the crossbar, before being replaced by Ollie Palmer up front for the hosts.

Wrexham won it with seven minutes of normal time left as Will Boyle soared highest at the back post to head in Seb Revan’s delivery.