WREXHAM gave supporters an unbelievable Christmas present by thrashing title rivals Salford City 5-1 at The Racecourse.

There was only one team in the contest as Graham Barrow's side secured a comfortable and thoroughly deserved win.

The Reds weren't clinical enough in Saturday's 0-0 draw at Aldershot but they made up for it by putting Salford to the sword, inflicting a third successive defeat on the visitors.

Victory took Wrexham up to second place, just three points behind leaders Leyton Orient with a game in hand ahead of Saturday's home clash with Solihull Moors.

Barrow named the same side that started Saturday's goalless draw at Aldershot Town, although there were changes on the substitutes bench.

Forward Ben Tollitt, who has joined Wrexham on loan from Shrewsbury Town, was named among the replacements along with the returning Manny Smith, although there was no place for Mike Fondop.

Wrexham got off to the perfect start by taking the lead inside the opening three minutes.

Akil Wright won a corner which was delivered by Luke Summerfield and captain Shaun Pearson planted his header beyond goalkeeper Christopher Neal.

Salford responded with Matt Green firing wide but Wrexham almost doubled their advantage with Paul Rutherford's dipping shot saved by Neal.

However, Wrexham made it 2-0 in the 25th minute following a well worked move.

Summerfield crossed from the right and Wright headed past Neal.

Wrexham, playing some excellent football, continued to go at Salford and Mark Carrington's long range effort following a poor clearance by Neal only just fell wide while Bobby Grant's acrobatic volley was blocked by a defender.

Wright fired wide with another chance but Wrexham extended their lead in first half added time.

The ball was played to Walker who rode a couple of challenges and riffled a powerful 20 yard drive that sailed past Neal to cap an unbelievable opening period for the Reds.

Agustin Mafuta fired wide for Salford at the start of the second half but Wrexham continued to probe and weren't sitting back on their lead.

Stuart Beavon, who had been a handful all game, screwed a shot wide and Bobby Grant brought a save out of Neal after being set up by Rutherford.

Barrow made his first change in the 65th minute with Tollitt replacing Beavon and Wrexham came close to a fourth goal following a superb counter attack.

Grant fed Summefield who played in Rutherford instead of going for goal and the winger's effort was blocked by Neal.

Tollitt wasn't far away from a debut goal, the ball coming back to the attacker following a run at goal and Neal making a smart save.

Chris Holroyd came on for Grant with five minutes remaining and Wrexham quickly made it 4-0.

Tollitt ran at the Salford defence and fired an unstoppable shot past Neal.

Nicky Deverdics was brought on for Rutherford while Salford were left with 10 men when Thomas Walker was shown a second yellow card following a late challenge on Tollitt.

Wrexham weren't done and they scored a fifth goal in added time, Holroyd slotting home.

Daniel Whitehead's deflected effort denied Wrexham a clean sheet but it was still a convincing win for the Reds.

Wrexham (4-1-4-1): Lainton; Carrington, Lawlor, Pearson, Jennings; Walker; Grant (Holroyd 85), Summerfield, Wright, Rutherford (Deverdics 87); Beavon (Tollitt 65). Subs not used: Dibble, Manny Smith.

Attendance: 8,283 (276 from Salford).