‘BACKHEEL PYKE’ is living up to his new nickname after helping Wrexham produce a stunning first half display against Ebbsfleet United.

Wrexham scored four goals before the interval and ran out 4-1 winners at The Racecourse to remain second in the National League.

On-loan striker Pyke netted his third goal of the season in the victory, making it a hat-trick of backheel finishes since returning to The Racecourse for a second temporary stint from Huddersfield.

The front three all scored and with competition for a starting place rife in attack, Pyke, who also had an assist, knew he had to deliver the goods.

“I have got a few backheels now so it is a good nickname,” said Pyke. “If it is there to be scored like that, you have got to do it.

“A goal is a goal at the end of the day. I am very happy to score my third goal and another assist too.

“You have got to take your chance all the time.

“I showed some good link-up play in the front three and it was good to play with them two.”

Pyke and fellow strikers Chris Holroyd and Stuart Beavon all scored in the opening 20 minutes to put Wrexham well in control.

Shaun Pearson added a fourth in first half injury time and although Ebbsfleet pulled a goal back three minutes after the restart, the damage had been done following that fantastic start.

“We were all over them in the first half,” said Pyke. “We looked great as a team and passed it very well, and we took our chances up front.

“It was job done, we started off a bit slow in the second half but then we got to grips with them, we controlled it.

“We have just got to take it game now and hopefully perform as well as that in each of the games.”

Manager Sam Ricketts saluted Pyke for having the presence of mind and ability to convert his latest goal.

“If the ball comes to him in the box, I am sure he would rather just side foot it in than back heel or flick it,” said Ricketts.

“But he has the ability to do it. Not all players can so he has got an extra couple of goals because he has been able to do it and the one today, he put that much power on it I thought he had side footed it!

“A great ball and a great finish.”

Ricketts hailed his side's opening half display and hopes fans were entertained as Wrexham won again to remain one point behind leaders Harrogate Town.

“I thought we were outstanding first half,” said Ricketts. “We were 4-0 up and good value for that.

“The front three linked up really well between themselves and midfield, and the goals were very good goals; good quality, good runs, good finishes, so I was delighted with the first half performance, by far the best we have played this season.

“I was delighted for the players but also the supporters to watch a game like that, especially first half.

“I would like to think they enjoyed it, we gave them a really good game of football."

Ricketts believes the players will be buoyed by the performance and hopes Wrexham can emulate it.

“We have shown the players belief that this is how good they can be,” added Ricketts.

“We are not going to hit it every week, the more times we can hit it than not we are giving ourselves a better chance."