DEAN KEATES was disappointed Wrexham failed to book their place in the FA Cup second round and felt his side did enough to secure victory against Rochdale.

The Reds, currently in the National League relegation zone, drew 0-0 against League One Rochdale at The Racecourse in their first round tie.

But although separated by two divisions, it was Wrexham who created the better chances.

The Reds twice hit the woodwork and failed to take other opportunities, with a few penalty appeals also turned down.

Wrexham and Rochdale both go into the hat for tonight's draw but Keates feels the Reds should be in there on their own and not need a replay.

"We are not disappointed that we have not got the victory and got just our own name in the hat for the next round," said Keates.

"We have created chances, he hit the woodwork twice and had a couple of penalty shouts.

"We will take the positives, we are in the hat for the next round and we kept a clean sheet - I don't think we really looked like conceding."

Keates felt Wrexham should have been awarded at least one penalty following a mixture of handballs and fouls in the area.

"There were three," said Keates.

"I would rather not mention it, I would rather not talk about it if I am honest because you are giving somebody with controversy what he wants.

"Don't take away from the 22 players and the substitutes who gave everything, and the both sets of fans." Keates was pleased with the way his side acquitted themselves against a team from a higher division, with the draw coming on the back of a 1-0 victory over league leaders Bromley.

"No disrespect to the division but our division is a lot more physical, a little bit more straight forwards, long balls etc and playing on second phases," said Keates.

"We knew it was going to be totally different against Rochdale and how they play and how they operate.

"It has been a good week, it has been a challenge, but the lads have taken on the information and I thought we looked well disciplined and well organised."

Ben Tollitt had two good chances in the opening 15 minutes but the frontman was replaced by Mark Harris at the break, with Keates explaining the reason why he made the change.

"It was more tactical, that's all it was," said Keates.

"I just thought a few times that Ben was picking up the wrong position or the urgency wasn't there to go and close down his man."

When asked whether there is anybody he would like to be paired with in tonight's draw, Keates said: "Not at all.

"When we get around to that we will address that situation.

"We have got a game to get ready for at the weekend now and a different kind of cup tie."

Wrexham are in Scottish Challenge Cup action ahead of next Tuesday's replay, with the Reds facing Rangers Colts at the iconic Ibrox Stadium this Saturday.

"It is totally different for us," added Keates.

"It is an unbelievable stadium and it is an opportunity for us to go up there and showcase ourselves again.

"We will see what happens at the weekend and then we will get ourselves ready to go again on the Tuesday night."