PROMOTION was the priority but Phil Parkinson is pleased star-man Paul Mullin landed a top award for his efforts in Wrexham's brilliant FA Cup run during a record-breaking 2022-23 season.

The Reds clinched the National League title and return to the Football League in April following a 15-year absence, all after writing headlines in the world-famous cup competition when they reached the fourth round.

Victories over Blyth Spartans, Oldham Athletic and Farnborough secured a third round date with Championship outfit Coventry City and Wrexham caused a huge upset by winning 4-3 at The CBS Arena.

The Reds came close to springing another surprise but Sheffield United scored a last-gasp equaliser to snatch a 3-3 draw at The Racecourse and the Premier League-bound Blades secured a hard-fought 3-1 win in the replay to edge into the fifth round.

Despite bowing out, striker Mullin finished top scorer in the competition with nine goals to scoop the FA Cup golden ball and the 28-year-old was at Saturday’s Wembley final between Manchester City and Manchester United to receive his award.

“It is absolutely brilliant for Paul,” Parkinson said about his leading scorer who bagged 47 goals in all competitions this season and was also named in the National League team of the season.

“When you look back at how well he did in those games against Championship teams, he thoroughly deserves the award.

“What a great occasion for him and his wife to be down at Wembley to receive the award.

“It is fantastic for him and the club.

“We had some memorable games in the FA Cup run.

“We are very pleased with how we performed as a team and Paul getting important goals showed that he can give defenders of that level problems.

“That was great for us to see.”

Mullin has scored 79 goals in two seasons since joining Wrexham from Cambridge United in the summer of 2021 and will be looking to pick up where he left off on his return to the Football League.

Prior to his arrival at The Racecourse, the 28-year-old scooped the League Two golden boot in 2020-21 after scoring 32 goals to help Cambridge United clinch promotion to the third tier.