WREXHAM are ahead of schedule following a productive start to the season but Kevin Roberts admits the Reds can't afford to take their foot off the gas in pursuit of success.

Sam Ricketts' side have taken 21 points from the opening 10 games, the best return since Wrexham were relegated to the fifth tier in 2008.

Roberts revealed that a target was set - and met - for that first block of matches, and it leaves Reds second in the table going into tomorrow's game against Ebbsfleet United at The Racecourse.

An average of two points a game is the ideal platform for a promotion challenge but Roberts says there can be no let-up.

"We had a target and we have gone past that target from what we wanted to get," said Roberts.

"That doesn't mean we are going to just rest on that now.

"We want to keep hitting all our other targets and go past them.

"Ebbsfleet is going to be another tough game but we have just got to get another three points."

Although he is pleased with the way Wrexham have started the campaign, Roberts is looking forwards rather than backwards.

"We forget about those 10 games now, it is about the next 10 games," said Roberts.

"I am sure we will have another target to hit and if we keep hitting them come the end of the season, we should be fighting for promotion come the last six games.

"It is only 10 games, there are another 36 games to go so we are only about a quarter of the way through the season, we have just got to keep putting points on the board."

Wrexham, who kept a club record 22 league clean sheets last season, have picked up where left off and already have seven shut-outs to their name, conceding just four goals in 10 outings.

Roberts, Manny Smith, Shaun Pearson and James Jennings formed the defence for the majority of 2017-18 but the back-line has been far from settled this term.

Roberts and Jennings have had to come out of the team with Mark Carrington and Doug Tharme deputising, while Smith is expected to be out for two months with a knee injury, prompting Ricketts to sign Jake Lawlor for an undisclosed fee from Salford.

Having had to bide his time for a recall, Roberts knows the onus is on players in the team to keep performing to retain their place.

"There have been a few changes through injuries and the gaffer rotating, or whatever you want to call it," said Roberts.

"I have been out of the team myself.

"You have got to wait for your chance. It is difficult when you are out of it because we are still keeping clean sheets and hardly conceding any goals so once you get in, you just want to stay in the team."

But Roberts has welcomed the competition for places and admits having defensive cover is crucial.

"To be honest it is needed," added Roberts. "You can't go throughout the season with only four or five defenders.

"I think we were very lucky last year that no-one had any major injuries.

"Unfortunately this year it has happened to Manny, Jake has come in and been solid in the two games that he has played; two clean sheets for him, so I hope it carries on."