PHIL PARKINSON felt a big win was coming after Wrexham thrashed Accrington Stanley 4-0 to give the automatic promotion challenge a big boost.

The Reds struck four times in the first half, with Paul Mullin grabbing a hat-trick and Elliot Lee scoring the other goal, as Accrington were put to the sword in the League Two contest at The Racecourse.

Victory took Wrexham up to third in the table, three points behind leaders Mansfield but on the same tally as second placed Stockport County and two ahead of Crewe Alexandra in fourth.

Parkinson believes his side didn't get everything they deserved during the busy schedule in February when results were mixed but they made up for it against mid-table Accrington.

"It was a really good performance from the lads and a great win," said Parkinson.

"I have been saying that we have dominated a lot of games without really getting our rewards but we kept believing that dominance would be turned into goals because in the last few years, it normally has.

"This is probably the first time where we have had periods where we haven't punished teams but today we were excellent in and around that final third which is obviously the most important part of the football pitch.

"It was a really good day all-round for us and we took our chances when they came."

Wrexham had chances to build on their lead in the second half but although a fifth goal never arrived, Parkinson refused to get downbeat following the rampant opening period.

"Obviously we would love to have built on it in the second half but Accrington are a good side," said the Reds' boss.

"We still had three or four really clear cut chances to get that fifth goal.

"But we are not going to be greedy, it is a great three points for us.

"I thought the lads were professional in everything they did.

"We found the spaces with our football, we found the spare men in midfield in James McClean and Elliot Lee, and really looked like a threatening side."

Ollie Palmer came into the attack for his first start since the 3-0 FA Cup second round win over Yeovil on December 3 and there were also recalls for left wing-back Jacob Mendy and centre-half Will Boyle who were all commended by their manager.

"I felt Ollie deserved his opportunity and he took it well," added Parkinson. "His general play was good.

"Jacob came back into the team and I felt it was one of his best performances of the season.

"He was physical and he was dangerous. I like it when he looks dangerous in that final third and takes people on, he got crosses in the box so I was really pleased with him.

"Will came back in as well, it was a bit unlucky for Aaron Hayden, Ben Tozer and Jordan Tunnicliffe but I felt Will did well in the games he played, particularly against Notts County."