WREXHAM aren't expected to beat Rochdale but captain Shaun Pearson believes a repeat of recent performances could lead to the Reds springing an FA Cup shock.

Dean Keates' side are languishing at the wrong end of the National League table and face Rochdale at The Racecourse in the first round of the competition on Sunday.

The League One outfit are favourites to progress but Pearson is encouraged by the Reds' last two displays.

On top for an hour against Torquay, Wrexham failed to take their chances and conceded the only goal of the game but the Reds ended a run of six league games without a win by beating leaders Bromley 1-0 last weekend, giving Pearson heart that a shock could be on the cards if the players reach those same heights.

"The expectation amongst ourselves is more for the performance," said Pearson. "In terms of result the pressure is off.

"If we had drawn a team from two divisions lower, it would be a free-hit for them and we would be expected to win.

"Rochdale are expected to win but from within the group there will be an expectation of trying to keep our levels where we have been the last couple of games.

"The last two performances have been pretty good, we are hoping to get a repeat performance and hopefully it will be enough to cause an upset."

Pearson is not getting carried away with Wrexham still in the relegation zone but he can see signs that the Reds are beginning to turn the corner ahead of a big cup game.

"We played well on Saturday but I thought we played even better at Torquay," said Pearson.

"We should have won down there but it was pleasing to get three points against Bromley.

"With those couple of performances, it looks like we are turning the tide a little bit.

"I know it is only one result but we feel we have turned the corner a little bit.

"We would much rather have a league game this weekend to try and get some momentum going but the FA Cup is a great competition.

"You want to go into these games and give the best you can, and if your best is good enough on the day, hopefully we will go through."

Wrexham are underdogs but Pearson hopes having home advantage will boost the Reds' chances of taking one step closer to big third round tie.

"Getting to the third round and drawing one of the big boys is something you dream of," said Pearson.

"First and foremost it will be a difficult game against Rochdale. They are a couple of league's higher and not doing too bad.

"It is something we can look forward to and hopefully cause an upset.

"Even when we have been struggling this season, our home record has been pretty good.

"We have only lost two league games so there is no reason why we can't fancy our chances at The Racecourse.

"If it was an away game, Rochdale would be even stronger favourites but being at home gives us a slightly better chance."