PLAYER-BOSS Andy Morrell admitted Wrexham will be spurred on by the fact they can go joint top of the Conference table if they beat Braintree Town at The Amlin Stadium tonight (7.45pm).
Victory will enable fourth placed Wrexham to go level on points with Grimsby Town and Newport County at the summit, and the Reds will also have a game in hand over the Mariners after the clash.
Although they failed to take advantage of Newport’s defeat at Alfreton Town a week last Friday - Wrexham were beaten by Hereford United the following day - Morrell is determined to make the most of this opportunity.
“There is definitely something to build on,” said Morrell, whose side drew 1-1 against Gateshead on Saturday. “Speaking to a few people, it was a lot better than we have been in the last couple of games.
“It is pleasing on that front but this is our chance now, another opportunity. We had one the other week which we missed out on but they are going to still keep coming so this is another chance to go and win a tough game away and try to get back up amongst the leaders.
“There is a big incentive to win it, no more than going top. So we will be all guns blazing I hope.
“It is going to be tricky. The pitch isn’t great after all the rain, so we know it is going to be a battle.
“They have got some good players but I am looking forward to going down there and giving it everything.”
Wrexham left early today for the long trip to Essex and Morrell insists his players will have the ideal preparation for the re-arranged game, with the original fixture postponed on October 27 because of a waterlogged pitch.
“We are leaving early, getting down there and having an afternoon in a hotel,” said Morrell. “The lads will be able to get their rest, get their legs stretched and probably get their heads down for a little bit as well.
“We are doing it right. It gives us the best chance of doing well in the game so I am pleased the board have put their money where their mouth is and backed us again.
“Hopefully we can repay that with the preparation.”
Morrell is hoping that Saturday’s draw against Gateshead is the platform for another unbeaten run and has not ruled out trying to sign a midfielder before the loan transfer window shuts on Thursday to help achieve that.
“Can we start another unbeaten run? Can we go another 10 games maybe without losing?” said Morrell, whose side went 12 games without defeat earlier in the season.
“If you do that then you are still going to be up and around it at the end. It is going to be difficult, we have got a tough run and obviously the window ends on Thursday.
“Whether we can do anything before then, we will have a few phone calls and see.
“All six strikers are fit now. It is probably just midfield where we are a little bit concerned with Kevin Thornton and Glen Little out.
“We have only got four. Johnny Hunt is on four bookings and Dean Keates is suspended so we are a little bit light in there.
“Maybe we can do something, we are waiting on a few phone calls. We have just got to make sure we have got enough cover until January.”
Keates serves a one match suspension at Braintree after picking up a fifth yellow card of the season against Gateshead but goalkeeper Joslain Mayebi is available after serving a three game ban of his own.
Johnny Hunt is set to come in for Keates while Morrell has to decide whether to recall Mayebi in place of Andy Coughlin.
“Everyone came through the game with no problems so it will be the same squad as the weekend,” added Morrell. “It is only Dean suspended so I will be forced into one change, whether we make any others we will wait and see.
“Joslain comes back into the squad so we will see about him.”