WREXHAM beat Port Vale 2-1 in front of nearly 7,900 fans at The STóK Cae Ras to finish top of North Group B in the EFL Trophy.

Both the Reds and League One outfit Vale had already qualified for the knockout stages going into the final group game.

Phil Parkinson's side went into the clash sitting in pole position after following up a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United under 21s by beating Crewe Alexandra 3-0.

The Valiants needed to win in north Wales to finish as tabletoppers but Wrexham took that honour and will have a home draw in the last 32 of a competition they won in 2005.

Wrexham struggled to get going in the first half and fell behind but the Reds were much better after the break with star striker Paul Mullin coming off the bench to equalise with his sixth goal of the season.

Another substitute, James McClean, also made a huge difference following his introduction and he scored the late winner as Wrexham maintained their 100 per cent record in the three EFL Trophy outings.

Just as he said he would, Parkinson named a completely different team from the the side that started Saturday's 2-1 win at Mansfield in the FA Cup first round.

Among the 11 changes, Dan Davies was handed his professional debut at right wing-back while there was a blend of youth and experience among the substitutes.

McClean and Mullin, both suspended for this Saturday's League Two game at home to Gillingham, were both named on the bench.

Port Vale boss Andy Crosby, who saw his side reach the League Cup quarter-finals for the first time in the club's history the previous midweek, adopted the same policy as Parkinson, making 10 changes from the side that started Saturday's goalless draw with Burton in the FA Cup.

The Valiants had the first sight of goal in the seventh minute when Tom Conlon's free-kick drifted wide.

Wrexham responded with Luke Young going close with a long range effort and Jake Bickerstaff fired straight at goalkeeper Jayson Leutwiler after Liam McAlinden won possession and laid off to the striker.

It was a pretty even contest with Jesse Debrah failing to hit the target for Vale after running at goal and Reds' goalkeeper Luke McNicholas pulled off a superb save to tip Ethan Chistlett's shot over the bar.

However, Port Vale took the lead after 31 minutes.

Wing-back Gavin Massey sent in a low cross from the right and Josh Thomas smashed the ball into the net from close range.

There was a half-chance at the other end when Bickerstaff centred to Waters who dragged his effort wide while the striker had an even better chance when Aaron James' flick-on fell into his path but he cleared the bar from six yards.

Wrexham had struggled to get into the game and Vale remained 1-0 up at the break but the Reds came much more into it when the second half got underway.

Jordan Davies had brilliant opportunity to equalise but he somehow headed wide from close range following Young's corner

Parkinson made a triple substitution on the hour mark with Mullin, McClean and James Jones replacing Waters, Dan Davies and James.

Andrew Buah did well to get into the box and his shot deflected wide for Vale but Wrexham equalised in the 70th minute.

Mullin was picked out by McClean and the striker slotted home at the back post.

Wrexham continued to press and Mullin saw a 20-yard drive fall narrowly wide while McClean's long range effort was deflected out for a corner.

Leutwiler made an unbelievable save to keep out Jordan Davies' shot after Mullin's cross fell into his path but Wrexham scored from the resulting corner on 83 minutes.

Young sent in the set-piece and McClean found the net with a header to register his first goal for the club.

There was no way back for Vale and Wrexham finished top of the group.

Wrexham (5-3-2): McNicholas; Hosannah, James (Jones 60), Cleworth, Boyle, Dan Davies (McClean 60); McAlinden, Young, Jordan Davies; Waters (Mullin 60), Bickerstaff. Subs not used: Hall, McClean, Evans, Jones, Cushion, Ashfield.

Port Vale (5-3-2): Leutwiler; Massey, Lomax, Smith, Debrah (Mahaffy 86), Buah; Chislett (Brazier 86), Walters, Conlon (McDermott 64); Thomas (Cousins 86), Loft. Subs not used: Ripley, Plant, Dipepa.

Attendance: 7,870 (673 from Port Vale).