DEAN KEATES hailed Wrexham's record-equalling defence but admits his team were poor going forward against Solihull Moors on Tuesday.

Wrexham were held to a goalless draw by Moors at Damson Park and although the Reds lost ground on leaders Macclesfield Town, the 19th league clean sheet of the season equalled the club record set in 1973-74 and 2002-03.

Keates praised goalkeeper Chris Dunn and defenders Kevin Roberts, Manny Smith, Shaun Pearson and James Jennings, who have formed the back four for the majority of the campaign, as well as their team-mates higher up the pitch.

But the Reds boss accepts his side, who never had a shot on target against in-form Solihull, lacked quality when they attacked.

"We set our stall out with our recruitment at the beginning of the season," said Keates. "It was very much a clean slate and built from the back.

"But not just the back four and the goalkeeper, the lads work hard and collectively everybody pulls together, and that showed at Solihull.

"It was disappointing going forward that we did not create much or put their goalkeeper under enough pressure but the lads stood up and got counted defensively.

"There was only one shot on goal in the whole game and that has come from one of our mistakes when the kid hit the post.

"You get put under immense pressure there, it gets loaded onto you, so it was pleasing to come away with another clean sheet."

Wrexham boast the best defensive record in the National League but the Reds have been less effective at the other end of the pitch, and Keates admits they didn't do enough to win the match.

"If you are keeping clean sheets you are always in the game and it gives you a chance," said Keates.

"But we didn't really give ourselves a chance of winning it, especially in the second half.

"On the offensive side we just weren't at the races and we lacked a bit of quality. Going forward it just didn't happen for us but we will keep working hard."

Wrexham extended their unbeaten run to 11 games but eight of those have ended in draws, with the Reds now down to fifth in the table, six points off top spot, but Keates remains upbeat despite the lack of wins.

"We have got to be positive," said Keates. "The lads are having a bit of a wobble but we can't be too downhearted.

"Solihull are in great form and it was always going to be difficult going there.

"They put you under severe pressure and we knew that but I don't think either team looked like scoring a goal.

"The basics were there so I can't ask any more than that. The lads are a little bit down and frustrated but we can't be too downbeat.

"Yes, things aren't going how we want them to be but we are not chasing games, we are not losing, we are not having to come from behind.

"We have been in front a few times, it is disappointing thing that we have conceded, but we have got to remain positive; we are 11 games unbeaten."

Keates insists Wrexham, who have 11 games remaining starting with Saturday's big clash against third placed Aldershot Town at The Racecourse, are still in contention for automatic promotion but need a win this weekend.

"It is still up for grabs, there are going to be loads of twists and turns before the end of the season," said Keates.

"It is going to be difficult for ourselves but we need to get the fine margins right and we need three points for everybody on Saturday.

"The lads are frustrated but we will get them going again for the weekend."

Keates confirmed that striker Scott Boden, who has enjoyed a run in the side but wasn't even named on the substitutes bench at Solihull, did not miss out through injury.

"Scott wasn't injured," added Keates. "You look at things, you look at who you are coming up against, and how the lads are working.

"For me, it was just a change I made. He has done okay and I just thought I would change it around."