The Leader:

MIKE FONDOP hailed Wrexham's pre-season in Portugal a big success and the striker has vowed to continue his goal scoring form when the 2018-19 campaign kicks-off.

Wrexham returned late last night from a training break in the Algarve, culminating in a friendly against Portuguese third tier side Louletano Desportes Club which ended in a 2-2 draw.

It is the first time that Fondop, who played for Guiseley and Halifax Town in the National League last season, has embarked on a trip abroad for pre-season and he felt it went really well.

"The people are really lovely and the place is really beautiful," said Fondop.

"It is the first time I have come to Portugal and it is the first time I have travelled with a team in pre-season so I am enjoying the experience, especially with the lads.

"Everyone has welcomed me from the start, I feel like I have been in the family.

"During the season we will hardly find some time to work this hard so we have to do it right now so that during the season we are ready to compete, and it has been good."

Fondop opened his Wrexham account on debut against Airbus and he scored for the second game running against Louletano at the 30,305 seat capacity Estádio Algarve on Wednesday evening.

In form at the end of last season when he helped Halifax climb away from the relegation zone, Fondop hopes the goals continue to flow for Wrexham.

"That is my aim and that is why the gaffer signed me, to score goals," said Fondop.

"Each time I score I am really happy. As a striker that is the main objective.

"I came here to score goals and for me the aim is to play in the Football League next year for Wrexham.

"To do that we have to win games and to win games we have to score goals so that is my aim."

Fondop is pleased with how he has started life with the Reds.

"I wear that number nine so it is a big responsibility," said Fondop.

"Sometimes a striker can have a good game but if after a couple of games people don't see you have scored they start doubting, that is how football is.

"I am so happy to have started like this and I hope to keep going this way.

"It definitely doesn't matter for me that they are only friendles.

"There is no easy game. The more you score goals the more you get your reflexes during competitive games and you always find yourself in the right place at the right time.”

Fondop opened the scoring against Louletano with a bullet header from Mark Carrington’s cross.

Crossing and players getting on the end of balls into the box was a feature of Wrexham’s open training session earlier in the week and Fondop says the practice paid off.

"We practiced that in training and the gaffer always tells me where I have to be for crosses and passes,” added Fondop.

"I keep practicing it in training and practice makes perfect!”