DEAN KEATES' second term as Wrexham manager ended in a 1-1 draw - but he should have been celebrating a win.

Back in The Racecourse hotseat after being appointed Reds boss on Sunday, Keates' return has been with a mixed response from supporters.

But Keates received a good ovation from fans when he walked out ahead of kick-off and his first match back at the helm got off to a dream start as leading scorer Bobby Grant scored his sixth goal of the season early in the contest.

Although there better tempo and intensity to Wrexham's play, they were unable to take any of their chances to kill the game off.

Grant's missed second half penalty proved costly as Harrogate equalised with 80 minutes left, Wrexham not for the first time this season struggling to keep a clean sheet.

Wrexham deserved at least a point in their bid to climb clear of the relegation and although elements of the performance will have pleased Keates, there is a lot for him to work on.

Keates made two changes from the side that started Saturday's 1-1 draw at Woking which proved to be interim manager Brian Flynn's final game in charge before departing The Racecourse.

It came as no surprise to see influential skipper Shaun Pearson return to the defence after serving a one-match suspension in place of Michael Chambers, while Jazzi Barnum-Bobb took over from Mark Carrington at right-back.

There was a change in formation as Keates reverted to a back four, a diamond shaped midfield with Grant and Jason Oswell leading the attack.

Keates couldn't have asked for a better start on his return to the club as Wrexham took the lead in the sixth minute following a well worked move.

Paul Rutherford fed Jason Oswell and the striker centred for Grant who converted from close range for his sixth goal of the season.

Neat build-up play almost led to a second goal as Luke Young's low drive was parried by James Belshaw with Wrexham unable to put away the loose ball.

Wrexham began to be a bit wasteful with the ball but Harrogate were unable to capitalise after launching a series of attacks.

The chances were falling to Wrexham and Grant's shot from the edge of the area deflected narrowly wide for a corner and James Jennings fired over from Young's free-kick.

Harrogate finally mustered an opportunity following a quick break but Ryan Fallowfield's effort was blocked by Shaun Pearson for a corner which came to nothing.

Former Wrexham striker Mark Beck should have done better at the start of the second half as he swiped at the ball and got little contact while well placed in the area.

But Grant went close to doubling his and Wrexham's tally after Luke Summerfield headed the ball into his path but the striker's first time shot was brilliantly saved by Belshaw

Wrexham needed a second goal to kill the game off and they were presented with an excellent opportunity when Grant was pushed over in the area and referee Lewis Smith awarded a penalty.

However, Grant, who missed his last penalty in Wrexham's win against Ebbsfleet 10 days earlier, blasted his spot-kick over the bar.

It gave Harrogate hope and Jack Diamond's header was saved by Christian Dibble who'd had little to do.

Dibble pulled off an even better save to deny Jack Muldoon but Harrogate's persistence paid off as the visitors levelled with 10 minutes to go.

Diamond's ball across the face of goal wasn't cut out and Fallowfield fired past Dibble.

Connor Hall's header was saved by Dibble as Harrogate pushed for another goal but it finished all-square.

Wrexham (4-1-2-1-2): Dibble; Barnum-Bobb, Lawlor, Pearson, Jennings; Barton (Barton 86); Summerfield, Young; Rutherford; Grant, Oswell. Subs not used: Szczepaniak, Redmond, Wright, McIntosh.

Harrogate Town (4-4-2): Belshaw; Fallowfield, Hall, Will Smith, George Smith; Bradley (Diamond 54), Falkingham, Burrell, Kiernan (Emmett 74); Beck, Muldoon. Subs not used: Cracknell, Stead, Brown.

Attendance: 3,435 (33 from Harrogate).