PHIL PARKINSON felt Wrexham's finishing against Crewe Alexandra in the final away game of the season was of the highest order.

With automatic promotion from League Two already secured after thrashing Forest Green Rovers 6-0 the previous weekend, the Reds made the trip to Gresty Road with the pressure off but there was no-let up from Parkinson's men who triumphed 3-0.

Ollie Palmer opened the scoring when he headed home Paul Mullin's cross and it was roles reversed for the second goal. Palmer flicked the ball on for Mullin who lobbed goalkeeper Max Stryjek to take his tally for the season to 26.

After play-off contenders Crewe were reduced to 10-men early in the second half when Ryan Cooney was sent off following deliberate handball, Andy Cannon made it 3-0 to secure a fourth successive win.

"It was a bobbly pitch but we played it well," said Parkinson. "We passed it well, got in behind and made good decisions.

"We scored two really good goals in the first half.

"I was pleased for Ollie to get a goal. He has worked really hard for the team.

"We gave them a lot of problems down the right hand side in the first period, Ryan Barnett tormented the left-back.

"The cross came from Mulls in the end and it was a fantastic cross, Ollie got a across his man and put it away.

"It was a very good finish from Mulls and it was great to get the two-goal cushion at half-time."

Crewe were given a mountain to climb in the 54th minutes when last-man Cooney was shown a straight red card for handling the ball when he was challenged by Mullin, sent off for denying a goalscoring opportunity.

Parkinson admits he thought the right-back would get away with a booking.

"Their lad got sent-off and it was just a case of controlling the game, and seeing it through," said the Reds' boss.

"It was a deliberate hand-ball but it was still a long way from goal. I was expecting a yellow card.

"There were no other defenders around from my memory but sometimes when you are that distance from goal, you get away with a yellow."

Wrexham quickly made it 3-0 when Elliot Lee won possession and supplied a brilliant through-ball to Cannon who side-stepped a defender before slotting past Stryjek.

"The pass from Elliot to Andy was top drawer," said Parkinson.

"The way Andy took it didn't surprise me because he is very cool in those situations."

George Evans was missing after picking up an injury in training but Parkinson praised captain Luke Young for the way he performed on his return to the side.

"George sprained his calf on Thursday in training," he added.

"But Luke came in and he was outstanding so I am so pleased for him.

"That has been the strength of the group. The lads out of the team have been so professional.

"Luke stepped in and I thought he was one of the best players."