After Wrexham secured their place in the FA Cup fourth round for the second year running by defeating Shrewsbury Town, Paul Mullin galloped towards the travelling supporters and whipped them into a frenzy, fist pumping three times in an explosion of unhinged joy.
It’s a sight that fans have grown accustomed to over the past few months, with the deified Mullin never missing an opportunity to salute his adoring flock. However, the Wrexham superstar has rarely been so animated at the end of the game.
His bubbling excitement could be explained by the magnitude and symbolism of the result his side had just secured. Not only did Wrexham shock higher-league opposition at New Meadow on Sunday, they also dealt with some ghosts from their past.