GEORGE EVANS says the Wrexham players knew just how important it was for supporters to gain bragging rights and a degree of revenge with a cross-border derby win against Shrewsbury Town.

The Reds dumped the League One outfit out of the FA Cup after winning 1-0 in Sunday's third round tie at The Croud Meadow courtesy of Tom O'Connor's 72nd minute strike.

It came 16 years after the last meeting between the sides when Shrewsbury triumphed 3-0 and Wrexham's relegation from the Football League was all but confirmed.

Wrexham are flying high in League Two but manager Phil Parkinson used the past to fire up his players ahead of the clash and Evans says everyone was desperate to give fans some derby joy.

"We had a meeting the day before the game and the gaffer let us know about that, the result and the timing with it ultimately ending in Wrexham getting relegated," said Evans.

"We knew it was an important game to win for the fans and we are delighted we have done.

"It is a massive win. It is big for us and big for the club, a very important win.

"The lads were excellent. We had a rocky, 10 minute start but once we settled into the game, we played some good stuff and fully deserved it."

Nearly 1,700 supporters made the short trip and Evans said the away following made for a terrific atmosphere.

"The fans were rocking from the warm-up onwards," he said. "It was absolutely incredible support.

"You seen the noise at the end, it doesn't go unnoticed. It is a fantastic following that we've got, we don't expect anything different because it's week in, week out, and I just hope they really enjoyed that one.

"With the atmosphere, you could see how much it meant to them and I am just really grateful that we've repaid that and won the game."

Evans hailed the togetherness in the Wrexham ranks when Shrewsbury were on top in the match.

"When we have these spells we have got to stick together and keep working hard to keep the ball out of the net," he said.

"We know something will open up for us because of the players we've got, and that happened.

"Tom stepped up and put the ball in the back of the net."

Promotion is the priority but Evans says the cup run is not a hindrance, with Wrexham drawn away at Championship outfit Blackburn Rovers in the fourth round.

"We have got to keep that winning mentality and every time you put that shirt on you know you have got to go out there and perform, and make sure you win," he added.

"The FA Cup is a special competition so as far as we can go in that will be great for the club and for us as players.

"We have got full belief in what we are doing, it is going well at the moment but we have got to keep building and keep working hard, and hopefully have a successful season."