JAKE LAWLOR would prefer to be in league action this weekend but the centre-back sees Sunday's FA Cup clash with Rochdale as a realistic chance of causing an upset.

Wrexham beat National League leaders Bromley 1-0 on Saturday to end a six-game winless run, with the Reds now two points adrift of safety.

Dean Keates' side are denied the opportunity to build on the victory in the battle to climb clear of the relegation zone as they host Rochdale at The Racecourse in the first round of the famous cup competition in their next game.

Although improving the lowly league position is the priority, Lawlor says facing the League One side is an opportunity to claim a cup scalp and continue the winning habit.

"It is probably not what we wanted. We'd have wanted another league game to kick-on and build on that win," said Lawlor.

"But it is another game and no matter who we are playing against, we have got to try and win.

"It is a big competition for the underdogs and we won't be afraid of them.

"It is a chance to show that you can perform against better teams and hopefully cause an upset.

"Last season we did really well at home to Newport and were unlucky not to win.

"You never know, a bit of luck on Sunday and we might be in the next round."

Luke Young's stunning late volley from the edge of the area secured just a fourth win in 20 league outings against Bromley and Lawlor hopes that is the turning point in Wrexham's season.

"We probably played better at Torquay when we were unlucky not to take anything," said Lawlor.

"But we dug in and did alright against Bromley, and we beat them.

"It was a great goal by Luke and was good enough to win any game. I don't think two goalkeepers would have saved it to be honest!

"We needed something to turn our fortunes around.We have not been great but we have been unlucky at times and when you are down there, you don't get the rub of the green.

"Hopefully that win turns our season around."

Young, used as the holding midfielder in the last two games, has been a consistent performer all season and Lawlor praised his team-mate.

"Luke was in front of me and Shaun Pearson against Bromley and at Torquay," said Lawlor.

"He has been good all season and deserved that goal."

Captain Pearson returned to the centre of defence against Bromley after missing the previous three games with a hamstring injury.

The duo were instrumental in Wrexham keeping just a third league clean sheet of the season and Lawlor admits the Reds, used to shut-outs over the last two campaigns, need to get back to being difficult to break down.

"I think we complement each other well," said Lawlor.

"We did well against Bromley, hopefully we can kick on and start keeping more clean sheets because we have not kept enough and we have conceded way too many goals so far this season.

"It is something the gaffer has touched upon, saying we have got to get back to keeping clean sheets and a 1-0 win is great for us."