THE identity of Wrexham's potential new owners has dominated the headlines but the Reds returned to friendly action by beating a Salford City XI 1-0 at The Racecourse.

Holywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney were confirmed on Wednesday as the duo who are seeking to take control of the club.

It has been the talk of the town amid Wrexham preparing for a 13th campaign in non-league and they beat Salford in what is expected to be the last pre-season outing.

Dean Keates only used 11 players during the midweek 1-0 defeat to Telford United so he named almost a completely different starting XI for the clash with Salford, which was brought forward by a day.

Only goalkeeper Christian Dibble again started as Keates turned to players who didn't feature against Telford.

Captain Shaun Pearson, Jordan Davies and Mark Carrington were among those included in the line-up while the likes of Jay Harris, Kwame Thomas and Luke Young got the afternoon off.

Dibble made a brilliant early block to prevent Salford from taking the lead.

But Wrexham's response was immediate as a pass was threaded through to Jake Bickerstaff who struck the crossbar from just outside the area.

Bickerstaff also brought a save out of Salford goalkeeper Nick Hayes and then struck a post after he was picked out by Paul Rutherford following a neat move.

Despite enjoying a lot of possession, Wrexham didn't create anymore chances until 60 seconds into the second half when Bickerstaff set up Devonte Redmond who fired over.

Max Cleworth cleared a Salford shot off the line at the other end but Wrexham took the lead in the 67th minute.

A couple of players had shots blocked in the area but Redmond found the bottom corner with his effort.

Wrexham continued to probe and had opportunities to extend their lead.

Pearson headed over from a corner and Rutherford's drive was turned behind by Hayes who pulled off an even better save to deny Bickerstaff.

Dibble made a smart save to keep Wrexham's lead intact

Wrexham (4-4-2): Dibble, Horsfield, Cleworth, Pearson, Carrington, Rutheford, Redmond, Davies, Jarvis; Bickerstaff, Sam Williams (Humphreys 82). Subs: Szczepaniak, Austin, Nash.