OLLIE PALMER marked his big money move to Wrexham with the only goal as Phil Parkinson's side secured a 1-0 win against Grimsby Town

Wrexham broke their transfer fee to sign Palmer from League One outfit AFC Wimbledon on Monday, with the Reds paying £300,000 for the frontman who penned a three-and-a-half-year contract.

And the 30-year-old, who scored eight times for the Dons this season, opened his Wrexham account in the 35th minute against the out-of-form Mariners.

The Reds could have made life easier for themselves by scoring a second goal to make the game safe but they held on to their lead to secure a second league win in a row, with supporters back to see it after coronavirus restrictions were eased.

Parkinsons' side remain sixth in the table ahead of another home game against Maidenhead United on Saturday.

The Reds boss made three changes from the side that started Saturday's come-from-behind 2-1 win against Yeovil.

Palmer was thrown start into the team after completing his move from Wimbledon the previous day, taking over from Kwame Thomas in the Reds' attack alongside leading scorer Paul Mullin.

Liam McAlinden, who set up the winning goal at the weekend after coming on as substitute, replaced Bryce Hosannah after the left wing-back failed to recover from injury and Max Cleworth came into the defence in place of Harry Lennon.

Former Wrexham captain Shaun Pearson, who re-joined Grimsby last summer after spending four seasons at The Racecourse, lined up in the visitors' back-four.

The game began at a fast-pace and Grimsby created the first chance in the sixth minute as Rob Lainton produced a good save to deny John McAtee.

Tristan Abrahams shot straight at Lainton as the Mariners had the upper hand but Wrexham began to get into their stride following a slow start.

McAlinden got on the end of Reece Hall-Johnson's cross but goalkeeper Max Crocombe gathered before Palmer could pounce and Mullin's drive from outside the area fell wide.

Wrexham came even closer to breaking the deadlock when Aaron Hayden headed narrowly wide from Ben Tozer's throw-in, but the Reds, now on top, went 1-0 up in the 35th minute.

Lainton's clearance was nodded down for Mullin whose shot was blocked by Crocombe and after a scramble in the area, Palmer slotted home.

There was another chance for Palmer before half-time with the striker heading onto the roof of the net following a decent move which saw Cleworth and McAlinden link up well.

Wrexham were on the front foot when the second period kicked off and Mullin's curling effort was brilliantly tipped behind by Crocombe for a corner.

With the pressure kept on Grimsby, Hall-Johnson's shot cleared the bar and the wing-back also couldn't keep another attempt down after the Reds turned defence into attack with a quick break.

The Reds had the upper hand and needed a second goal to make the game safe, Cleworth heading just wide from Jordan Davies' corner.

Lainton made a brilliant save on his goalline to thwart Luke Waterfall with a rare Grimsby opportunity before Palmer fired straight at Crocombe.

Another vital stop by Lainton kept the Reds ahead but it should have been game over when Jordan Davies sent in a low cross from the by-line and Cleworth fired over from close range.

Mullin also ran at goal but shot narrowly wide and although the game hung in the balance, Wrexham ensured there was no late drama and they picked up another win in the push for promotion.

Wrexham (5-3-2): Lainton; Hall-Johnson, Hayden, Tozer, Cleworth, McAlinden; James Jones (French 77), Young, Davies; Mullin (Ponticelli 90), Palmer (Thomas 83). Subs not used: Dibble, Green.

Grimsby Town (4-2-3-1): Crocombe; Smith, Waterfall, Pearson, Crookes; Fox (Raikhy 69), Coke (John-Lewis 89); Sousa (Burgess 78), McAtee, Arbahams; Taylor. Subs not used: Clifton, Wright.

Attendance: 8,434 (285 from Grimsby).