SAM RICKETTS wants to make The Racecourse a fortress this season - and says fans are crucial to achieving that in pursuit of success.

Wrexham entertain AFC Fylde in their opening home game tonight, the Reds heading into the clash on the back of a superb 1-0 win over Dover Athletic on Saturday, with 312 fans making the 550-mile round trip.

A big attendance is expected against Fylde and Ricketts says supporters will have a huge part to play as Wrexham try to mount a promotion challenge.

"We need to make this place as difficult for opponents to come to as possible," said Ricketts.

"That starts with our fan-base, their support, getting behind us and driving the team on for the whole game regardless of what is happening on the pitch.

"Hopefully we can give them something to support and cheer but if things aren't going quite according to plan, it is vitally important that they stay with us and back us because they will be vital this season if we are going to be successful."

Ricketts stressed the importance of picking up a lot of points at home but the former Wales international wants Wrexham's away form to be just as impressive.

"Your home form tries to give you a platform of a decent side," said Ricketts.

"If you are going to be successful it is generally your home form which allows you to do that.

"Some years, some teams struggle at home but they are really good away from home.

"But I want to be good at home and away."

Mike Fondop's 29th minute goal secured an opening day success at Dover, the first time Wrexham registered victory against the Whites at the ninth attempt.

Although delighted to make a winning start, Ricketts is not getting carried away.

"It was a really good win," said Ricketts. "Just pleasing for all the players after all the hard work they put into pre-season.

"But you have to be mindful that it was only one win.

"It was the first game of the season and there are 45 games so there is an awful long way to go.

"You start thinking about Fylde straight after the game and we need to be as prepared as we can going into this one."

Ricketts believes there is more to come from new-look Wrexham and says his side will strive to get better and better.

"It was a good performance, I just want to get that every week," said Ricketts.

"If you are not trying to get better week on week then you are standing still.

"And if you are standing still in football you are actually going backwards so there are many things to work on.

"We are still a new group of players who are still coming together."

Ricketts knows Fylde will also be a tough test.

"All the games are hard, there are no easy games, but Dover missed out on the play-offs last season finishing eighth, Fylde were in the play-offs and were a little unlucky," said Ricketts.

"It will be a really good test for myself and the new team of what we are."

Nicky Deverdics and Chris Holroyd, absent at the weekend through injury, could be included in the squad.

"Both of them have missed some training so it is important that we get them back up to speed," added Ricketts.

"When players are in and around it I want them fully-match ready, and try and keep the players as close to 100 per cent as I can.

"It is just seeing what both of their fitness levels are like."