In Wrexham’s 3-1 preseason victory over Man United, Paul Mullin scored his first goals after suffering a punctured lung.
Since slipping down the leagues two years ago, the 28-year-old has been the Racecourse Ground’s primary goal scorer. Wrexham rocketed to the National League championship last season thanks to an incredible 47 strikes across all competitions.
Mullin was forced to miss the beginning of the season due to a bizarre accident that occurred in the preseason. In Los Angeles, the attacker was playing against a youthful United team when he collided with Nathan Bishop and had to be taken off.
Tests showed that Mullin had punctured his lung and, speaking to The Athletic in August, he admitted to fearing for his life. He said: I was trying to breathe in but nothing was happening. I couldn’t get air into my lungs. That’s when I knew it was bad.
As I was gasping for air and my lips started to turn blue, I decided that this may be it for me. That was the sensation. I had some trouble breathing for a while. Albi, my little son, sprang to mind.
I hate being away from him and my girlfriend Mollie for so long, but I had promised myself that I would return home soon and that the trip would only last two weeks. Even though it took a lot longer in the end, I’m so grateful it wasn’t worse.
Mullin later made a full recovery and recently began playing again with the Red Dragons. The former Tranmere Rovers player scored twice in his first complete 90 minutes after the injury, saving a point for Wrexham.
The hosts trailed three times in a dramatic 3-3 draw before former Sunderland striker Steven Fletcher scored his first goal for the team in the 95th minute. Manager Phil Parkinson praised Wrexham’s attitude during the game and gave specific praise to Mullin, whose grandpa had also gone away just a few days previously.
The boys had immense character, according to Parkinson. I believed that we were the superior team and had several excellent opportunities in the second half. Given that we had 10 men, it would have been unfair for us to have won if we hadn’t received the draw, therefore I’m truly unhappy that we lost.
It was a fun game with lots of discussion topics. I would still have been pleased with how the guys performed tonight even if we hadn’t scored that goal.
A family bereavement made this week difficult, so I’m happy for him (Mullin). There aren’t many players at this level who would create moments like that while he was playing at full strength and with the two goals.
Mullin honored his grandfather by dedicating the goal in a heartfelt statement made after the game. The striker posted on Instagram with the caption, They where for my Grandie.
