DEAN KEATES has urged his players to have more shots at goal.

The Wrexham boss saw his side create few clear cut chances in Saturday's goalless draw with fellow strugglers Eastleigh at a windswept Racecourse.

Although Keates wants his players to be realistic when they decide to shoot, he says too many opportunities were passed up when Wrexham reached the Eastleigh penalty area.

"Conditions weren't great but watching the game back, we played decent football," said Keates. "We got the ball down and moved it quite well.

"First half, there were one or two opportunities passed up to have a shot from the edge of the 18 yard box.

"We encourage it all the time in training and seen some players score some unbelievable goals; if it is there, get your shot off and back yourself.

"You are talking 18-20 yards, not 35-40 yards when it would be a silly decision.

"Luke Young has got one of the best strikes at the football club and he has hit a few second half but has just not got hold of it.

"This is not me singling players out but collectively as a group, if there is an opportunity there, have that belief."

Jordan Ponticelli's second half header from Davis Keillor-Dunn's cross found the back of the net but the goal was ruled out for offside.

Insisting that was the wrong decision, Keates felt a goal would have changed the way Eastleigh played.

"Second half was very similar to the first," said Keates. "We were camped in their half and Eastleigh defended for their lives.

"They made it difficult for us and the one time we had a bit of quality, Jordan scored a perfectly good goal.

"We should be talking about a good 1-0 performance but we are talking about a frustrating 0-0 because the linesman has guessed.

"A mistake had been made, it is not nice for us but you have to get on with it."