PHIL PARKINSON was delighted a change in system had the desired effect as Wrexham avoided an FA Cup upset.

The Reds were second best in Saturday's fourth qualifying round tie against Marine at Rossett Park and needed an injury time equaliser from Jordan Davies to remain in the competition.

Parkinson responded by ringing the changes for the replay at Nantwich Town's Optimum Pay Stadium - The Racecourse was out of use because the pitch has been relaid - and he also switched to a 4-2-3-1 formation for the first time his season.

Wrexham produced a much better performance and a goal in each half from leading scorer Paul Mullin sealed a 2-0 win and a trip to League Two outfit Harrogate in the first round proper next month.

On the decision to ditch the 3-5-2 system in favour of a new shape, Parkinson said: "I just felt we needed to freshen the team up after the weekend.

"We thought long and hard about it, from the minute the final whistle went all the way through to training on Monday morning, and we decided to make the change.

"I felt it worked and caught them a bit cold which is always good when you change it and it is not expected.

"We have worked on the back four in training and we have flipped to that in a couple of games.

"But equally, when you only have one training session to really go over the detail of it, I thought the lads implemented it really well.

"They took on board what we asked of them and I am obviously pleased."

Ben Tozer, used as a centre-back since arriving at Wrexham from Cheltenham, played as a holding midfielder and Parkinson knew the Reds' club captain would be suited to a different role.

"Ben has played more of his career as a midfield player than he has a defender so he is used to playing there," said Parkinson.

"Having that natural number six type player to sit in there and read the game, break things up and also pass it, is so important and we certainly lacked that.

"Luke Young has done that job for us, it is not completely natural to him, but Ben came in and did really well."

Parkinson, who was without injured duo Rob Lainton and Jake Hyde, also decided to rest Bryce Hosannah and Harry Lennon with the pair continuing to be managed following long term injuries.

There are no shortage of options when Wrexham return to National League action at Barnet on Saturday following a near-three week break.

When asked whether he will continue with the new formation, Parkinson was not giving anything away.

"It is a game to game situation and we will look at the freshness of our group," said Parkinson.

"We will look at the energy levels of our players and pick a team which we feel can go and get a result down there."