WREXHAM had already secured their place in the EFL Trophy knockout stages but Phil Parkinson says finishing top of the group to guarantee a home tie is the icing on the cake.

Both the Reds and Port Vale had booked spots in the last 32 heading into Tuesday night's final group game at The STóK Cae Ras. 

But top spot in North Group B was still up for grabs and Wrexham came from behind to beat the League One outfit 2-1, ensuring they will be at home when the second round draw is made. 

"It is nice to top the group. I have been told winning guarantees a home tie so that is a bonus," said Parkinson, with the tie due to be played on Tuesday December 5.

"We all prefer a home game because we enjoy playing here and there is no travelling etc with league games either side of it.

"We knew there was a bonus of winning and I am glad we have done."

Nearly 7,900 supporters attended the game and Parkinson, who made wholesale changes, was delighted Wrexham clinched victory in front of a healthy crowd for a game that had little riding on it.

"Everybody knew the game didn't have a great deal of importance attached to it because both teams were through," he said.

"But when the ticket sales start spinning around to 7,000-plus, it was important that we performed as well as we could with the personnel we had out there.

"I am pleased, winning is a good habit and there were some good performances from us."

Parkinson and Elliot Lee will find out tomorrow whether they have scooped awards.

The duo have both been nominated for League Two monthly gongs after the Reds enjoyed an unbeaten October.

Parkinson is up against Derek Adams (Morecambe), Dave Challinor (Stockport County) and Nigel Clough (Mansfield Town) for the Manager of the Month award.

Leading scorer Lee is competing with Isaac Olaofe (Stockport County), Joe Pritchard (Accrington Stanley) and Matt Smith (Salford City) for the Player of the Month accolade.

"It is fantastic for us but I am sure Elliot will say the same, any award individuals get are a reflection on the team," added Parkinson.

"If we get it, great, if not then we will work to get the next one."