AKIL WRIGHT refuses to deflect criticism following Wrexham's poor run of form and says the players need to start doing their talking on the pitch.

Although Wrexham were on top for an hour against Torquay on Tuesday, the Reds lost 1-0 and remain third from bottom in the National League, three points adrift of safety.

It was an improved performance but defeat means Wrexham have only won once in 15 league outings.

Although he takes encouragement from the display, Wright knows results are all that matters given the Reds' worrying position.

"To be 22nd at the minute is not acceptable," said Wright.

"We can't keep apologising to the fans, we have got to do it on the pitch and get the three points that we need, and start climbing back up the table.

"The lads are giving their all at the minute but I would take three points and a scrappy game all day.

"We have just got to do what we can to get three points.

"We just need to win. It is frustrating but I am sure it will turn around."

Wrexham had chances to take the lead in the first half at Torquay with Bobby Grant twice going close.

The Reds were on the front foot at the start of the second period and Paul Rutherford was denied by the goalkeeper but the in-form Gulls scored what turned out to be the winning goal in the 56th minute, and Wright rued those missed chances.

"We dominated the first half and even the early stages of the second half," said Wright.

"We need to score. We had so much possession and pressure in the first half and if we had scored, it could have been a different game.

"But their goal was a sucker punch and it changed the game; it gave them a lift.

"It is frustrating and it is another loss.

"We played well but it is not really a positive thing, it is a negative because we lost."

Although Wrexham have only won once since they beat Halifax 1-0 on August 13 - it was Brian Flynn's sole victory as caretaker manager against Ebbsfleet at the end of September - Wright insists the players are still confident they can get out of trouble.

"Belief is still there but you can feel the anxiety around the place at the minute with the form that we are in," said Wright.

"I think once we get that first victory it will pick up for us but we still believe we can have a good season.

"We are struggling so is just about taking each game as they come and hopefully we can get three points."

Wrexham's task is not made any easier on Saturday when they face leaders Bromley at The Racecourse but Wright says the onus is on the players to perform like they did for large spells against Torquay.

"Being at home, although it has been a tough season for everyone we can take the positives from this game, take it into Saturday and hopefully come away with three points," added Wright.