GARY MILLS insists Wrexham will beat Braintree Town to keep their promotion hopes alive - but three points on Saturday could be all in vain.

Wrexham beat Tranmere Rovers 2-1 at Prenton Park, but remain six points away from the top-five with two games remaining.

Braintree currently occupy the final play-off spot but the Iron will be overtaken by Eastleigh if they win at lowly Halifax Town in their game in hand tomorrow night.

That would signal the end of Wrexham’s play-off challenge and whilst the odds are still against the Reds, Mills is just hoping there is something at stake when Braintree visit The Racecourse this weekend.

“I said from the start, if we get in the play-offs by one goal then that will do for me,” said Mills. “We have got to go and beat Braintree and we will. 

“And if we do then we go into the last game depending on how Eastleigh go in the week.

“We are hoping that we can go into the Braintree game with a result going for us in midweek.

“If it does great, if it doesn’t…but I think it has been a good season.

“I just hope that we can go into the game against Braintree still with something to play for.”

Kayden Jackson gave Wrexham a 15th minute lead at Tranmere, who started the day in the final play-off position, but the hosts levelled in the second half from the penalty spot.

However, Sean Newton secured victory when he headed home substitute Wes York’s corner with time running out.

“I said we were going to win, I knew we were going to win,” said Mills. 

“I was just focused on keeping the season alive and our season is still alive.

“We still know it is a glimmer of hope but we are still in there. 

“We wanted to keep the season going and everyone of the players, the fans, we have pulled together again and pulled out a result.

“I thought we were magnificent, fighting for everything and battling for everything.

“When Rhys Taylor had to pull off a save, he pulled off a save. I just thought it was a tremendous response.”

Mills is pleased with how his players have performed for him this term, even if Wrexham are preparing for a ninth season in non-league.

“We have just to be positive about everything, I have told them that I don’t want to hear any negatives,” said Mills.

“I think my players have been magnificent for me this season and whatever happens, I told them on Saturday ‘go and show to yourselves more than anybody that you want to win’ and they have done that.”

For all the best match action from Wrexham's 2-1 win at Tranmere, see Monday's edition of the Leader.