PAUL RUTHERFORD wants wins on the board and quickly so that Wrexham's battle against relegation does not go down to the wire.

Dean Keates' side sit 19th in the National League, two points above the drop zone, with just nine games to go.

Wrexham begin a tough run of games against teams challenging for promotion with Saturday's clash against leaders Barrow at Holker Street.

But Rutherford is focused on the job in hand and is looking for a profitable run-in so that Wrexham, currently on 43 points, have already guaranteed safety before the final day trip to Stockport on April 25.

"The only way we will get out of this situation is with hard work and belief, and we are certainly full of that," said Rutherford.

"We have got nine games to go and we have got to win as many of them as possible to make sure we are not taking it down to the wire.

"You want to get to that 50 point mark as soon as possible. That is the golden number in this division to make sure that you are safe and in this division for next season.

"That is when the manager can start to draw up his plans for next season so the earlier we can get to that position the better, but we take nothing for granted."

Rutherford, who played for Barrow between 2009 and 2013, was used to relegation battles during his time with the Cumbrian outfit.

The Bluebirds are targeting automatic promotion and although Wrexham face arguably their toughest test of the season, Rutherford insists the Reds will be fired up as they go in search of a much-needed win.

"It is a tough game but it is another good opportunity," said Rutherford.

"We are the underdogs, Barrow are top of the league and although they got beat on Saturday, they will want to win to try and secure their objectives.

"But we have got to fight tooth and nail because we need the win.

"It is roll your sleeves up time.

"It is not about the performances now, it is about the results and we need to show that fight, hunger, determination and desire to make sure that however it comes, we get that win."

Rutherford, who joined Wrexham in the summer of 2016 from Southport, is certainly fired up and wants to get one over former club Barrow.

"I had good times at Barrow," said Rutherford. "The first two years I was there we won the FA Trophy and I got four Player of the Season awards, although it soured towards the end.

"I have got a job to do and my focus is winning with Wrexham. I don't care about Barrow's objectives.

"They are in the way of what we want to achieve and I want to beat Barrow."

Wrexham were held to a dour goalless draw by Eastleigh on Saturday when they struggled to create clear cut chances.

Rutherford wants to get the performance out of the system by hitting the ground running at Barrow.

"Our form since the end of November has been relatively good," added Rutherford.

"We were adrift at the bottom at one point but we have picked up a good few wins, a good few points, and now we are right in the mix.

"We can't feel too much disappointment from Saturday. We learn out lessons and we go to Barrow full of optimism and hunger."